ESU House, Cook Terrace
The History of Cook Terrace, 249 Coronation Drive. Milton, Queensland
Cook Terrace was built in the same era as Palma Rosa and has a similar history. Cook Tce is a landmark iconic building along the Brisbane River at Coronation Drive. It is a three storey row of six Victorian buildings dating back to 1888. The ESUQLD has purchased the largest terrace located on the western end of Cook terraces. Cook Terrace is currently used as offices as part of a prominent business park, however the Terrace has had a long and interesting history.
Cook Terrace was built in 1888 by Brisbane builder Joseph Blain Cook. It is listed in the Queensland Heritage Register. In similar circumstances to Stombuco, Cook went bankrupt in 1891 and the property was purchased as a rental property for professional and white collar tenants. In 1895 it was known as Milton Terrace.
Between 1895 and 1905 the parapet was removed and dormer windows were instated with a wooden verandah and domed reading room added as a south wing. In 1920 each house was converted into two flats. The army is believed to have rented the building for officer accommodation during WWII The verandahs were enclosed after WWII and the six houses were converted to 27 flats. During the 1960s and 70s it became known as Gloralgar Flats, the verandahs were enclosed and the terrace served as student accommodation.
In 1967, new owners, Terrace P/L engaged architect Blair AM at Wilson for a major restoration project and in 1984 Cook Terrace was given yet another lease of life as an up-market restaurant and office precinct. The buildings were restored, including the introduction of glass enclosures for the upper balconies and the south wing.
Cook Terrace is currently used as a restaurant and offices as part of a prominent inner city business park. In 2010 the English-Speaking Union Qld purchased the western terrace which has been renamed ESU House, taking possession on 1 July 2010..
