This building was erected in 1883 for the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society who had acquired the site two years previously for £3,140.

The allotment was part of a larger site that previously contained buildings which were erected during the period Moreton Bay was a penal settlement.
A government decision to demolish several convict era buildings, and to dispose of the crown land, gave impetus to the commercial redevelopment of the western side of Queen Street.

The building was designed by Richard Gailey and the contractor was W McPark.
Gailey was responsible for the design of many of the commercial buildings in Brisbane during the 1880s that were characterised by Classical idioms and details, however in this building, he employed Gothic motifs.
Sir Thomas McIlwraith, an early director of the company, laid the foundation stone in September 1883.

The Society occupied most of the building, which became known as the Colonial Mutual Chambers, and leased out the remaining floorspace.
In 1906 Colonial Mutual moved its headquarters, but retained ownership of the building and continued to lease the premises.
It was purchased in 1936 by the Carnegie family, dealers in quality musical instruments, and remained in the family until 1972.
Since the 1960s the building has been used for offices on the upper levels and retail outlets on the ground floor.

A spire with flag pole and the lower sections of the flanking turrets have been removed.
The skyline has been further altered by the removal of the attic rooms and the line of chimneys that rose above the wall adjoining the old Town Hall.
This building was erected in 1883 for the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society who had acquired the site two years previously for £3,140.
The allotment was part of a larger site that previously contained buildings which were erected during the period Moreton Bay was a penal settlement. A government decision to demolish several convict era buildings, and to dispose of the crown land, gave impetus to the commercial redevelopment of the western side of Queen Street.
The building was designed by Richard Gailey and the contractor was W McPark. Gailey was responsible for the design of many of the commercial buildings in Brisbane during the 1880s that were characterised by Classical idioms and details, however in this building, he employed Gothic motifs. Sir Thomas McIlwraith, an early director of the company, laid the foundation stone in September 1883.
The Society occupied most of the building, which became known as the Colonial Mutual Chambers, and leased out the remaining floorspace. In 1906 Colonial Mutual moved its headquarters, but retained ownership of the building and continued to lease the premises. It was purchased in 1936 by the Carnegie family, dealers in quality musical instruments, and remained in the family until 1972. Since the 1960s the building has been used for offices on the upper levels and retail outlets on the ground floor.
A spire with flag pole and the lower sections of the flanking turrets have been removed. The skyline has been further altered by the removal of the attic rooms and the line of chimneys that rose above the wall adjoining the old Town Hall.
Colonial Mutual Chambers