Palace Hotel, Perth

The Palace Hotel is a notable three-level building recognized for its historical value, situated in the heart of the city's business area. Built in 1897 during Western Australia's gold rush, it initially served as a hotel before being repurposed into bank offices and workspaces in the 1980s. Today, it houses the Perth offices of several companies, including Woods Bagot, Adapptor, and Hatchd, at the intersection of Saint Georges Terrace and William Street, a key spot in the city's financial zone.

At its launch on March 18, 1897, the hotel, despite being a bit smaller than similar establishments in other major Australasian cities, was praised as one of the region's most impressive and stylish hotels.

The building showcases a "Federation Free Classical" architectural style, with three floors made of brick and iron. It was designed by Porter and Thomas, and constructed by John De Baun, a well-known figure in mining and real estate.

In June 1973, it was added to the National Trust of Australia's register, achieving permanent status in 1980 for being an exceptional representation of the era's architectural quality.

Efforts by The Palace Guards, the National Trust of Western Australia, and the general public in the lead-up to and during the 1980s renovations ensured the preservation of certain original aspects of the building.

Thanks to its elaborate design and central location, the hotel has been a key landmark in Perth throughout its existence, offering luxurious accommodations for business travelers and serving as a symbol of the state's prosperity during the gold rush.

Before the Perth Town Hall was built in 1870, the site, formerly occupied by the Freemasons' Hotel, was a major center for social and political gatherings in the town, hosting significant decisions like the creation of a local police force in 1851. When it was converted into bank offices in the 1980s, there was a strong sense of nostalgia and appreciation for its historical significance in local media.