501 Bourke St

Well I though this was a heap of crap until I saw the model yesterday.

Now I think this building will be one of the few of the current crop of Melbourne office towers that has the special something- CHARACTER!

south
http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/racv5.JPG

north-east
http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/racv8.JPG

east (including new laneway)
http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/racv3.JPG

west
http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/racv4.JPG

there are actually only 9 levels of office accomodation, already leased. The remainder is basically a country club in the CBD built for RACV Club members. Included are:
*112 4.5 star accomodation rooms
*conference/business centre, four dining areas, bar and wine cellar
*indoor pool, gym, fitness centre, golf practice range
*library, billiards room, squash courts, spas, lifestyle centres, theatrette
*460-space car parks and various retail
~makes me want to join RACV again.

Even though many of us thought this site was ideal for a 200m tower, i'm happy to settle for this.
Construction to date

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/racv_2002_09_23.JPG

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/racv_2002_12_02.JPG

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/racv_2003_02_17.JPG

I think I finally "got" the curved roof the other day, breaking up of the differing height towers on either side (152 metres to the west and about 70 metres to the east) :? - there's some pretty "intricate" facades of buildings further to the east along Bourke Street....

this another Katsalidis job ? the vertical metallic strips around the crown of the bulk of the tower look like his work from Republic and 1 Powlett Street! :?

tays

Apparently it's an Aedas in conjunction with Peddle Thorp.

One of the renders still around & it still seems to be pretty much in line with the above model re 2nd model pic. (Although only a mid-riser, IMHO this is gunna be interesting modern architecture - and a new laneway to boot!!).

http://www.skyscrapers.com/files/transfer/6/2002/03/144012.jpg

I sure hope that it ends up with the colours on the model, not the ones in the rendering. The colours on the model will fit in perfectly with the silver steel of Eagle House on one side and the black stell of 140 William on the other.

Well, a rendering is a rendering is a rendering is a rende.....

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<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Grollo </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>I sure hope that it ends up with the colours on the model, not the ones in the rendering. The colours on the model will fit in perfectly with the silver steel of Eagle House on one side and the black stell of 140 William on the other.</td></tr>
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Definitely. The colours in the rendering make quite a beautiful design look quite ordinary.

Well ANYTHING is better then the current RACV building! It is one of the 60's buildings very similar to the gas and fuel buildings! My dad works in it so I have been there many times! And there will be a good view of the construction when it gets up a little higher! I'll then take some pics!

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by kasperluke </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>Well ANYTHING is better then the current RACV building! It is one of the 60's buildings very similar to the gas and fuel buildings! My dad works in it so I have been there many times! And there will be a good view of the construction when it gets up a little higher! I'll then take some pics!</td></tr>
</table>

Which street's the current RACV offices on ??

tays

I like the design of the tower. It's a shame that it wasn't any taller. It would of looked even better.

The existing RACV Centre is in Queen St on the corner of Little Collins Street.

Yeah the current RACV building is right next door to this one. If you are looking at the constuction site from little collins it is on your right. (actually on Queen street)

After this building is complete they are going to knock it down. It is a 15 level plus a little bit at the top. (brown brick building) It is also a Brilliant spot to look at Eureka! I'll take some pics for you!

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by kasperluke </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>Yeah the current RACV building is right next door to this one. If you are looking at the constuction site from little collins it is on your right. (actually on Queen street)

After this building is complete they are going to knock it down. It is a 15 level plus a little bit at the top. (brown brick building) It is also a Brilliant spot to look at Eureka! I'll take some pics for you!</td></tr>
</table>

the words "knock it down" are sure to prick a few people's ears up ;) lol

do you know if they have any plans for the current building ?? anybody heard anything ??

tays

All I know is that the new RACV building has been on the cards for many years ie. has been delayed...and they have always been plans (as far as I have heard) they they will either knock 123 queen down... or refurb it.... not too sure!

Edit: They will probably sell it.....or demolish it. It is an oldish building..60's probably) so refubing maybe difficult!

In regard to render vs model:

Like derr! Of course RACV's model has spruced up better than its earlier rendering. The model is on show i.e. a showcase piece in a comforting showroom making a pleasant environment for the sales pitch (even though it looks like cheap, speckled, temporary carpet or underlay in the first model pic)

......hellooooooiiii, reality check!

The RACV will move out of the Queen Street site when the Bourke Street site opens. I suspect they will sell the old site and get it off their books. Why would they pay to get it demolished when they don't need the build let alone the site anymore? That is silly. Demolition or refurbishment is up to a new owner.

In regard to render vs model:

Like derr! Of course RACV's model has spruced up better than its earlier rendering as it is the actual design. The comforting showroom is their head office ground level and they have no sales pitch as there's nothing to sell to the public. And why the cheap, speckled, temporary carpet would influence anyones opinion is beyond me.

At least it was a pleasant environment inside. :cool:

But hey, who give a shit! As long as the tower looks good!

Like derr! Obviously some people do!

& like derr, not sales pitch in that sense but corporate image sales pitch of both building and developer. Let's think outside the square hey?.....and because it's cheap carpet. Full-stop!

Oh my gosh!! The "derr factor" really does exist. Ho-hum! :|

Very nice, its a pity it wasn't up and over 200m! Still its at a good height and should have some impact on the Melbourne skyline. :)

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Aussie Steve </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>The RACV will move out of the Queen Street site when the Bourke Street site opens. I suspect they will sell the old site and get it off their books. Why would they pay to get it demolished when they don't need the build let alone the site anymore? That is silly. Demolition or refurbishment is up to a new owner.</td></tr>
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Yeah probably true! I hope they knock it down and put i nice tall building there! Will be nice and dense with the national building right next door. (practically)

Very unhappy about that height... what a shame... :(

MG2

This might prove a bit unfair, but I think this design's a bit pedestrian! Reminds me of Esso on Southgate, actually. *GASP*
I think my objection centres around the facade treatment - what there is of it, which isn't much. The form is asking for something a bit more sculptural.

Blue

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/racv_20030313.JPG

slowwwly coming along - doubt we won't see those floorplates up level with Bourke Street for a while though eh ...

tays

Is this on a hill like Rialto is... ie is it higher at Bourke street or Lt Collins?

Exposed core is up level with Bourke Street, and the top of the corebox is now level with the top of the scafold which is running over the top of the Southern Footpath along Bourke Street.

Stood for ages watching from Little collins Street and the car parking is almost up level with the street at that end of the site.

tays

a pano I took from level 8 of the 140 William St carpark:

http://home.iprimus.com.au/gnahas/racvsite_33pc.jpg

EDIT: *cough* Markus you smartass *cough* ;)

good picture

Steve, you think the model sort of looks like the rendering of RACV centre next to it in the window or the pics of the model in the first post of this thread. :cool:

I know im a smartarse, just continuing on from the last meet.

being a Rialto member has its merits ;)

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/racv2904031.jpg

Bastardos! Rialto members already! RACV is a much larger site than 11E...I agree with Bluestar, the design is a little on the CRAP side.

havent been up that end of Bourke in a while - progress anyone ?

Justing letting everyone know that the Current RACV building 123 Queen Street is now up for sale!

(Which is the ugly brown building next to this site, can't be seen in the pic above)

core's well and truly above street level now:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/racv2805031.jpg

Any news about progress on this project??

http://www.pta.com.au/newpta/jpegs/racv1.jpg

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<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Aussie Steve </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>Any news about progress on this project??

</td></tr>
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...on a personal note, yes............................ it's boring me to tears...

design, slow pace of construction and generally...

:)

lol, um I think the core may have moved - the "pit" has definitely been filled, think it's just constructing the surpringly large (not tall!) thing.

tays

http://metropolis.tayser.net/galleries/gall3/spring3.jpg

core's about 8 or 10 levels about ground, floorplates = multiple, maybe 4 above Little Collins St? *shrug*.

This one is a hard one to photograph...

Same as Tayser's! But i am getting addicted to posting them!!! hehe

I would have taken more of this but ran out of room on camera and it was hard to get a good shot with so much stuff in the way.

It will be much easier from lt Collins..

http://members.optusnet.com.au/lukekasper/MelbourneNov/DSC00044.JPG

Great stuff Kasper all of your latest photographic endeavours have proven well above board and thouroughly enjoyable.

Good show o'l chap ! ( Sorry , been watching too many British war films of late.)

No seriously, great work Kasper. :)

yar, we're all in debt of a few (:P) beers to Kasper.

and yep, corner of Bank Place and Little collins is the best for this ^^ project :guns1:

Can't wait to see this when it's finished. The design looks good. One of my favourite buildings going up in Melbourne at the moment.

http://melbournephotos.gotdns.com/pics/2003-11-20%20Melbourne%20-%20Foggy%20day%20up%20Rialto/IMG_3169.JPG

Stoopid reflections and not centered shot. But you get the idea!

:banana2:

http://metropolis.tayser.net/misc/racv2911031.jpg

:banana2:

racv's fallen off the radar, very much taller than the last time i saw it, just waiting for the silver glass to appear

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483racv_20040113.jpg

*punches the air* yes, go you good little thing.

and it's just getting to the good bits

:)

RACV is a waste of an opportunity IMHO, but FARK 140W looks great as usual - it's been too long since I start out of 140W's windows...umm, then again, staring out of 101's windows is nicer.

Does anyone know what's happening to that tall shit brick building that's got scaffolding around its top in that pic?

Originally posted by Blabbyboy
RACV is a waste of an opportunity IMHO, but FARK 140W looks great as usual - it's been too long since I start out of 140W's windows...umm, then again, staring out of 101's windows is nicer.

Does anyone know what's happening to that tall shit brick building that's got scaffolding around its top in that pic?

That's the pacific international building.. a few floors will be added and a new facade as well, and a conversion to appartments.

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

time for some more aerial perspectives

in among peers

http://metropolis.tayser.net/projects/cbd/racv/racv3001041.jpg

close-up

http://metropolis.tayser.net/projects/cbd/racv/racv3001042.jpg

couple more levels of the composite and then its all glass after that

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483rcv_20040305.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483racv8.jpg

I've been trying to work out for a while now - what is the minimum height a building should be in the CBD of Melbourne where it *adds* to the density of the city - rather than subtracts from it and wastes the land.

The RACV certaintly has the bulk - but at only 90m it barely makes the grade. I think a CBD building should be really 120m+ too add value to the CBD.

But those pics so far certaintly show promise.

Universal ponder as to what adds to the density of a city or becomes a "waste". One thing is for sure and pretty obvious is its surrounds.

RACV will certainly add to the bulk either here or if it were being built along side towers of similar height. In Melbourne's case, eg. 'The Market Precinct'.

If this town is not building tall or boutique, it's building 80-90m jobs (seems).

Nice to see they still have the cheap underlay in the model room ;)

Glass is up people- didn't have my camera and don't know if there was enuff to make it look good neway. But it's progress

Too small to care.

Thanks for sharing that.Glass is up people- didn't have my camera and don't know if there was enuff to make it look good neway. But it's progressGiving us an impression of the building overall perhaps. Nice to get a glimpse.

Thanks for the pictures, I've been walking past that construction site every week for the past few years wondering what it was going to look like :D .

I work in the St James building (that horrible L-shaped building at 121 William St), so I'm looking forward to the finished product. At the moment the structure looks fairly ordinary with the cement layers between floors. I could take a few photos this week if you like. Can also take a few of the current RACV building in Queen St (used to work in the building next door).

By the way, I'm new on here, as this is sort of a passion I've only just discovered. Can't wait to take advantage of having a digital camera and finding out more about the design direction of Melbourne!

Cheers,
Nick.

good stuff nick, get those pics going

something unique about racv's core, each level numbered and alphabetically tagged with an auto theme facing Bourke, each level to date goes as follows

studebaker
rollsroyce
quattro
pontiac
opel
nissan
mini
lotus
kingswood
jaguar
impala
hillman
gogomobile
falcon
escort
dart
commodore

any guesses for the next few levels?

Welcome to the board njm!! Look forward to some pics..

Here's a few suggestions for next core names:

- Ford Crumple
- Pontiac Skidmaster
- Alfa Fiasco
- Holden Deathtrap
- Toyota Cartwheel
- Nissan Cedric (oh wait - thats a *real* car !!)
- Mazda Rustbucket ..


:lol:

I know this is a dumb question, but how many floors is this building, considering its about 150 metres high?

Where'd you get 150m from?

It's 20 levels @ 95m high. ;)

150m from memory was the latest Grand Central proposals height (or 140m?) dunno.

BUILD CHURCH PLACE ON GRAND CENTRAL SITE PLEASE SOMEONE and send the Melbourne office market back into the 90s BOO YEAH! ;)

Oi um... what's the NIMBY road lobby doing? giving themselves some balconies that's what!

All those Shazzas working the call centre floor have to have their fags somewhere EH! lol :rock:

http://metropolis.tayser.net/projects/cbd/racv/racv0405041.jpg

Having a look outside my office window, I think this little one will be a great filler in the cityscape. I also think it might have moved higher since Tayser's took the photo above.

They've got a cool Construction update set of pages on their website: http://racvcentre.racv.com.au/racvcentre/index.cfm

There's also one or two more renderings, and

http://www.racvcentre.racv.com.au/racvCentre/images//April3503.jpg

The floor plates are at level 16 and the core at 19

Yep, its official, the RACV Centre has toped out and the core box is being removed. Pitty, as it would have been a hell of a lot better with another 10 - 15 more floors. Oh well!

Yeah just noticed the core box is completely gone today.. definately dissapointing height for that location.. oh well hope the facade at least makes up for it..

looks good to me...

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/rcv200406.jpg

Yes very disappointing about the height, but it does have an interesting facade which has a bit of retro sophistication to it. I like it and i also like how they havent neglected the little collins st side of the building too, in fact judging by the shape of the building it almost faces little collins more than it does bourke st.

Where'd you get 150m from?

It's 20 levels @ 95m high. ;)

150m from memory was the latest Grand Central proposals height (or 140m?) dunno.

BUILD CHURCH PLACE ON GRAND CENTRAL SITE PLEASE SOMEONE and send the Melbourne office market back into the 90s BOO YEAH! ;)
the roof is actually only 70m. the small side cores top out at 80m and large core reaches 87m. the top bit then goes to 90m and small spire takes it to 95m.
i really like this one. its ok to be small. we cant have Eurekas on every block!lol

If it was another 10 stories high, it would have made a bigger impact in to the skyline

If it was another 10 stories high, it would have made a bigger impact in to the skyline

Thank you captain obvious! ;)

^ Yeah, put the needle on the record, put the needle on the record *scratch, scratch, scratch*

From the moment I saw the initial renders I supported the design of this tower. It is proving to be a nice classy mid-riser and good modern architecture.

...and silvermb's last pic posts do it apt justice.

the only thing visible from down the hill is the crane and a snippet of the core (I think lol)

http://www.thehoddlegrid.net/projects/updates/cbd/small/racv2307041.jpg

pitiful height. 'tis only a beefbuilding exercise really.

Sorry about the bad pic. Didn't know where else to go and take a good shot!

http://img64.exs.cx/img64/2530/RACV.jpg

Lol, you know its a good skyline when people complain that a building is 'only' a total 95m high... what Adelaide or Canberra would give for this one...

Absolutly love the facade too, very nice but not quite up to 11E which is u/c as well. Some very nice mid-rises going up in Melbourne I must say, its not all about the talls.

stu

:) :applause: hehehe good one dynamoultraclean. like it.

Lol, you know its a good skyline when people complain that a building is 'only' a total 95m high... what Adelaide or Canberra would give for this one...

Absolutly love the facade too, very nice but not quite up to 11E which is u/c as well. Some very nice mid-rises going up in Melbourne I must say, its not all about the talls.

stu
actually its only 70m to roof. its 80m to side core and 95m to spire.

hey any recent pix of this one?
is it completed yet?

Sorry Mr C. Still not finished. I can still see them building the roof from my office window.

actually its only 70m to roof. its 80m to side core and 95m to spire.

hey any recent pix of this one?
is it completed yet?

Hence total 95m as I said (was counting spire) ;)

stu

the roof is actually only 70m. the small side cores top out at 80m and large core reaches 87m. the top bit then goes to 90m and small spire takes it to 95m.
i really like this one. its ok to be small. we cant have Eurekas on every block!lol

These heights are based on the old design. The new design doesn't have a spire or main core. You can see the new design in this pic of the model:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483racv8.jpg

The heights are 87m to the top of the curved roof, 90m to the the twin upper roof sections and 94m to the top of the blades on top of the twin upper roof sections :-)

wow, what a cool model.
thanx for updates

http://members.optusnet.com.au/lukekasper/RACV.jpg

http://img90.exs.cx/img90/382/P9302397.jpg

Remember RAVC? If not here it is :)

http://homepage.mac.com/jbadcock/Melbourne/misc/racv_231104.jpg

cool, just about there.

Turned out really nice this one, pity about the height, you can't really see it from anywhere.

It may not be visible from afar, but it will certainly be from street-level (the element of sheer surprise), to office workers and of course from Rialto's observation deck.


Remember RAVC?Of course we do. IMO one of the best mid-risers taking shape in Melbourne. This is high-tech architecture @ its best.

BTW It will be interesting to see how the curved roof treatment will eventuate. I'm hoping it will have a classy lobby too.

Waste of a good plot of land, IMHO

blabby- you might have to get used to not every new scraper not being 297m tall!!! most cities have to build these little guys. they make up the new urban landscape.

I agree Cul, not every scraper has to be big, But Blab kinda has a point, that particular area of land he is talking about is a prime site for a tall Scraper as its on the western end bourke street hill. Over the road pracically is where the proposals for Church Place and that Grand Central building were !

That particular area of land is just crying out for a monster scraper ! :rock: :banana2:

Cheers

Lozza

blabby- you might have to get used to not every new scraper not being 297m tall!!! most cities have to build these little guys. they make up the new urban landscape.
awww...! does it HAVE to be like that?! :D

blabby- you might have to get used to not every new scraper not being 297m tall!!! most cities have to build these little guys. they make up the new urban landscape.

Yup, would have to agree with you there Cul. Check out this image of NYC which IMO is the best example of high density medium sized towers in the world.

http://home.swiftdsl.com.au/~ciaobella/Scott/nyc.jpg

Now that the WTC towers are gone, there are probably only 3 or 4 major towers in the CBD that are over 250m tall (rough guess)

I would have to say though that the middle spine (running north to south) of our great city is in major need of a few 200m + towers.

why are we obsessed with filling up that "swantston" gap?
it's like a very mini manhattan when you think about it.
sure it could use "some" filling of some more interesting and newer smaller buildings but for my 5 cents worth - I like the "gap". the two clusters make the c.b.d more interesting. why do we want to look the same as everywhere else practically?
cheers

what a grand little building this is, cant fault a tower where the core is clad in glass unlike a few other cheaper towers around town

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/rcv 20041220.jpg

Yeah, this ones a good 'un.
omg mark we agree.

A rare rant from Muse and it's my prerogative....

:speech: I was the very first one to support this building from the initial renders and model. Most sub-forumers only complained egs. "it's boring", :rant: "should be taller", :| "what were they thinking?", :crazy2: "it's just a filler", :cry: "what a waste of space" yadda yadda fuckin' yadda!!

RACV is proving to be great modern corporate architecture. It's looking beautiful. http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/love/1luvu.gif

I took a friend of mine to the beach today - about 30 km away from the city.

He had lived in Melbourne since coming here from Canada 15 years ago.

The city skyline was visible over whatever peninsula blocks the view. The Swanston St gap was clearly visible. I explained which building was which - he knew most of them.

I explained the Gap as being open for shoppers and to give Melbourne that "not-hemmed" in feeling.

He simply stated what a great idea that was.

Cheers,

Adam

True, the city was very visable from Chelsea beach (31Kms) yesterday. I was sailing my Hobie Cat there and tops of the CBD was very distinguishable over the Black Rock/Beauy hills. Even from Olivers Hill for the last few days, the city has been very clear. From Olivers Hill day before yesterday, we could see the Westgate, Coode Island, Bolte Bridge and they are rare spots. Must be the lack of black smoke billowing from tower cranes that leaves the sky so clear.

Peninsula Monash in Franga, from the main entrance has a clear view of the CBD as well.

Nice reflective glass:
http://web.aanet.com.au/nmharrison/RACV.jpg

boring tower, wasted opportunity. but can live with it. the swanston gap rocks.

You gotta remember the average age of the members of the RACV Club, they couldnt go too crazy or the senior citizens would revolt!

Yes imagine how go the 200m high 50 storey tower that was approved for the site would have looked. It would have risen out of the top of that pic :-(

nice look

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/rcv 200501.jpg

Missed that pic. Great emblem logo/neon signage! Very regal.

Almost fin:

http://thehoddlegrid.net/projects/updates/cbd/small/racv1702051.jpg

Its still a pitty that its so short, but its a great design, much better then what I had expected, especially from Rialto!

this one still going? looks good. this project would suit nicely in adelaide.

I am pretty sure I read RACV were moving in from April/May.

For its height this tower is very impressive in design. Something double or even triple this height with a similar design would look amazing in the CBD.

ok ok ok.

this podium is looking fan-bloody-tastic!

a uewepuep co. production:

http://www.melbournephotos.net/pics/2005-03-21%20Melbourne%20-%20Bourke%20St/IMG_6155.jpg

http://www.melbournephotos.net/pics/2005-03-21%20Melbourne%20-%20Bourke%20St/IMG_6156.jpg

http://www.melbournephotos.net/pics/2005-03-21%20Melbourne%20-%20Bourke%20St/IMG_6167.jpg

:eek2:

Agreed, now if only we could water it and care for it.

Loving the RACV emblem and signage in tayser's last set of pics.

http://ncars.on.net/images/racv.gif

What was there before RACV?

It was a bomb site for 15 years.

^^^

What a nice little addition to the Melbourne Skyline :rock:

Cheers

Lozza

last word on RACV before it gets shipped off.

refreshing to see a design where they go the distance and add plenty of detail to the facade, incredible they've added so much detail facing the laneway and over the exposed cores. PwC and this building are the pick of the current commercial towers for mine

ah well no point in saying it but i will, a stretched 200m version of this design on this sight would have been a real commercial landmark

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/rcv200507.jpg

Any old RACV member (95% of Victoria) can mosey on in to this place, no?

Looks good. I hope they have retail facing Little Collins Street and the laneway!

ah well no point in saying it but i will, a stretched 200m version of this design on this sight would have been a real commercial landmark


agreed.

Completed!

^Yep RACV moved in on Monday.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/barsby/DSCN2416.jpg

http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-vn3334013-v.jpg

Buildings which used to occupy the RACV site - the entire street has now been cleared. The first partially obscured building was the Eagle Star building - demolished for the superb Eagle House. The building next door is Chancery House , the next one NZI House and two I'm not sure of were all cleared prior to construction of RACV (1999 according to the RACV website). Note the Menzies Hotel which was bulldozed for BHP House the year this was taken. Another great Wolfgang Sievers picture.