Nicholas Building

The Nicholas Building rises above the corner of Swanston and Flinders Lane with a facade of ornate, cream-colored terracotta that mimics the grand styles of Chicago. Built in nineteen twenty-six, it served as a monument to Alfred Nicholas, the man who brought aspirin to Australia. He insisted the design include a dedicated space for the city’s creative community. While corporate offices filled the lower floors, the top levels eventually became a warren of independent artists, jewelers, and tailors working behind heavy wooden doors.