The Austral Stores building was originally built for butcher Leopold Conrad, a long-time Hindley Street trader, from a design by one of his two architect sons, Albert. It was first known as the Autral Stores, but in 1908 Jonathan Grant leased part of the complex which was known as Grant’s Coffee Palace.

At a time when temperance movements were growing in power and influence, and abstinence from alcohol was linked to World War I sacrifices, the site was taken over by John West in 1919. West’s Coffee Palace offered cheap accommodation, especially for country visitors.

The building is typical of Edwardian styling, using bricks and tiles with stuccoed dressings.

The upper floor of the building is now used as office accommodation by Arts SA as part of the cultural revitalization of Hindley Street. The ground floor houses various businesses, but look as though it has seen better days.

Adelaide Then and Now – Adam Lee/Bernard Whimpress (Axiom Australia 2008)