Rawson Hotel

The Rawson Hotel, located on John Street, dates to 1899, and represents the surviving corner block of the original Rawson Market which began construction in 1871. Designed initially by Lockwood and Mawson, the market was extended in 1899 by Hope and Jondine, the same architects responsible for the Technical College. Situated on a quadrant corner with Rawson Place, the building showcases Gaisby Rock ashlar elevations, presenting one bay to Rawson Place and three to John Street. The corner is prominently emphasised by a five-story circular tower. The uppermost stage of this tower features a drum supported by four pairs of Corinthian columns, with urns and a finely detailed masonry dome incorporating a cupola lantern above. The flanking elevations, which are three stories tall with an attic, are characterized by giant Corinthian columns featuring block banding at the base of the shafts. Additional details include shallow canted bay windows on the first floor, a large lunette window above the segmental portal entrance, and pedimented dormers within the parapet, with urns aligned with the columns below. The windows are stone mullioned. The hotel is listed primarily for the significant contribution the tower makes to the townscape.