Two Flinders Street buildings have been partially restored to their former glory as part of a new apartment complex.

The six storey Mutual Store at 256 Flinders Street was rebuilt in 1891 on the corner of Flinders Lane and Degraves Street in mannerist style with a folding facade very similar to nearby Block Arcade. The building is crowned by a seated statuette over a giant circular window. It was heritage registered. The building has had its coat of cream paint removed to return it to its “blood and bandages” early red brick and stone Edwardian appearance and its spectacular ground floor entrance reinstated. An additional setback floor has been added to the building and ground floor retail adds to the vibrant activity around the building at street level.

Only the facade of the Empire Arcade (built in 1906) next door at 264 Flinders Street was retained and repainted to front a setback new apartment building “HOME@FLINDERS”.