In July 1880, architects Smith & Johnson called tenders for the owner Ruben Barnard, most probably for 91-97. It was constructed by 1882 when its rates were first paid. Six years earlier, Smith and Johnson had been architects for the Esplanade Hotel (14).
[1880-] Irvine, Mrs Lily [-1915-] MMDB
According to Richard Petersons' Place of Sensuous Resort,a related Brooklawn was originally located at Queens Road. That Brooklawn was built and owned ? by George Bruce.In 1893-94 till 1895-96, the dark Depression years, George Bruce was forced to let Brooklawn, to Laurence Benjamin, financier and gentleman. This was clearly whilst he awaited completion (unusually, during the Depression) of his larger mansion, Clarence (now The Mansion), next door at 83.The Queens Road Brooklawn continued to be let until at least 1905. The next year, Isabella died and the title passed to her husband??.
In 1908 he died also and, curiously for the time, the title by-passed the sons to their sister, Edith Loudon Bruce who continued to live there.
1913 Edith Bruce sold Brooklawn to Dr Marcel Crivelli, a founder of the Alliance Française established at 17 Robe Street, St Kilda and moved to 91-97 Fitzroy Street, which she re-named Brooklawn, and operated as a boarding house.
In 1995, a redevelopment of the property began and apartments were sold off under the name, “Brooklawn Mansions”.
I
