The building of the Russian House in Melbourne is in need of facade repairs and the committee is asking for help in raising funds for this purpose. Donations can be made through the Australian Cultural Foundation tax deductible.
Russian House Melbourne Inc. 118 Greeves Street, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065
Dear Donor,
Russian House (now celebrating its 60th anniversary) is the custodian of a magnificent Victorian building originally known as the Collingwood and Fitzroy United Friendly Societies Dispensary. Built in 1884, it is a two-story structure with a facade combining elements of Italian Renaissance architecture on the first level and Classicism on the second. It operated as a dispensary until 1968 when it became the premises for our group. It remains a historical local landmark, listed as a significant point of interest on the Fitzroy Historical Society tourist walk and featured in Open House Melbourne, 2021. The building is in constant use by community groups in addition to hosting a variety of cultural activities (concerts, lectures, fund-raisers etc.).
Recently, some cement render flaked away from the walls and fell to the footpath which drew our attention to the need for major repairs to the facades on both Greeves and Gore streets. We have commissioned a forensic engineering study that confirms the council's concerns of a safety issue for pedestrians. Quotes have been obtained and a restoration expert has been chosen to undertake the necessary repairs. This expert deals specifically with historical buildings and has a track record within the Fitzroy/Collingwood precinct. Any restoration and materials (such as the type of sand used in the original rendering) will conform to those used in the original construction. The cost of the repairs is estimated to be between $180,000 to $200,000.
A key aim of Russian House is to source funds for the repair and future upkeep of the facades and, since Russian House is a not-for-profit organization, it is calling upon members, friends and neighbours to assist by donating towards this project. Fortunately, with the assistance of the Australian Cultural Fund, it is now possible to make a tax-deductible donation towards the cost of restoration by clicking on the following link:
https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2E9q0000006AfG
