The Mechanics Institute

The former Mechanics Institute building in Stawell was built in 1875 and is historically significant, making a significant contribution to the architectural and visual amenity of the predominantly 19th and early 20th century commercial streetscape. 

The owners wanted to transform the unoccupied, existing grand infrastructure into a local retail hub for businesses to showcase their local produce and goods, and incorporate Short-term stay Apartments with New York Loft-style, industrial and raw aesthetics, capitalising on the tourist and retail investment opportunities at the major tourist destination of Stawell and the Grampians.