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The History of 137 Harrington Street

We at GSA are lucky to work in a heritage protected building in one of Sydney’s most historic suburbs, The Rocks.

Much of our building’s history is connected closely to our neighbour, St Patrick’s Church. When constructed in 1889, our building served as a presbytery to the church, traditionally the part of the cathedral between the high altar and the choir (or chancel). Our basement and cellars were designed to hold equipment and miscellaneous deliveries to be sent to Marist missionary stations in the South Pacific. It remained home to the Marists until 2000.

The former convent, on the corner of Grosvenor and Harrington Streets, now the residence for the Marist community at St Patrick’s (source: St Patrick's Church Hill)

In 1913, applications to establish the old presbytery as the St Patrick’s Parish Hall and Girl’s School were put in to Sydney City council, and were approved in 1915.

Section 2 of building application plans for 137 Harrington Street, 1913 (source: City of Sydney Archives and History Resources)

Section 3 of building application plans for 137 Harrington Street, 1913 (source: City of Sydney Archives and History Resources)

According to the application plans for a new elevator above (1913), our first two floors were originally one large hall with a stage set up and gallery seating, and the newly established top floor housed three classrooms and the principal’s office.

Page 2 of a building survey card, 1944. In the last three lines, the notes detail the "basement is not in permanent use, being used as a Scout's club room, & the rear portion being a laundry" (source: City of Sydney Archives and History Resources)

Page 5 of a building survey card, a hand drawn floor plan depicting the ground floor (currently our reception) and first floor of 137 Harrington, 1944. (source: City of Sydney Archives and History Resources)

Page 6 of a building survey card, a hand drawn floor plan depicting the second floor of 137 Harrington, 1944. (source: City of Sydney Archives and History Resources)

By 1944, a year before the end of World War 2, the construction of our third floor had been completed, and 137 Harrington was still being used as a school house. As detailed in the inspection records above, we had a Scouts club room in our building’s basement, along with a laundry.

GSA moved to 137 Harrington from our North Sydney offices in 2000. We have protected and maintained our site through regular maintenance and restoration over the years, ensuring the original architecture is maintained. With the addition of our impressive collection of Martin Sharp works, we embrace our building's heritage while bringing a modern touch. Our restoration protects the history of 137 Harrington, and ensures that our use of the building respects the history that it holds.

137 Harrington, 1989. 100 years after it's construction in 1889. (source: City of Sydney Archives and History Resources)
GSA's offices at 137 Harrington today (2022). (source: dlrphotography)

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