When on 8 April 1936, the extension of Martin Place to Macquarie Street was opened, a series of development sites along each side of the new thoroughfare were made available by the City of Sydney.

The contract was let to builders Kell & Rigby following the calling of tenders in February 1936 and construction began in early June 1936, subsequent to five months of preliminary work and excavation.

This composite systems allowed for extremely rapid construction of the superstructure and work on the steel frame commenced on 3 June 1936 and was completed on 17 September, a period of fifteen weeks.

The lower ground floor was occupied for many years by a quality restaurant (Cahill's) with direct access from Elizabeth Street via steps.

[1] With the outbreak of World War II in 1939, many of the tenants, including the APA, relocated to other premises and the Department of Manpower effectively took over the building.

The terra cotta blocks were supplied by Wunderlich Limited and were chosen for their durability, permanence of colour and self cleaning character of material.

These pilasters continue in an abbreviated form against the face of the 12th floor setback, the overall effect being one of a major vertical emphasis and one of symmetry.

[1] The windows to the main office floors are of particular interest, being A. S. Spiers patent box frame types of Queensland Maple, which allow the sashes to be reversed for cleaning.

Steel windows are used to the light well of the building, providing some measure of daylight to the toilets, main stair and rear office areas.

An imposing pair of green scagliola columns with original bronze-framed glass doors and top glazing flank each side of the foyer.

[1][2]: 35 The construction of the APA building marked the beginning of the development of the eastern end of Martin Place and Phillip Street as a major commercial and professional precinct.

[1] The APA Building exhibits a high level of architectural quality in terms of its proportions, facade treatment and vocabulary of detail.

The construction of the APA building marked the beginning of the development of the eastern end of Martin Place and Phillip Street as a major commercial and professional precinct.

The APA Building exhibits a high level of architectural quality in terms of its proportions, facade treatment and vocabulary of detail.

The APA Building is the last remaining example in Martin Place of what was a consistent group of structures exhibiting a conformity of scale, facade treatment and vocabulary of detail.