It was built during the peak of South Brisbane commercial development and the reconstruction of Stanley Street premises, and was a reflection of boom era confidence.

[1] In 1909 the Queensland National Bank purchased the building for £2,500, with the South Brisbane Gas & Light Company maintaining its office and showroom there.

[1] In 1943 the branch was closed as a war time economy, and 301 Stanley Street was leased to shirt and pyjama manufacturer Alfred Portrate until 1949.

The elevation has bays of three windows with rusticated surrounds, which align with the pediments and console brackets under the cornice.

At what was once the western street corner, the facade is truncated above ground floor level, and is topped with an arched pediment inscribed with the date 1885.

It is also significant historically as a rare surviving remnant of the commercial and shipping heart of South Brisbane in the late 19th century.

It is also significant historically as a rare surviving remnant of the commercial and shipping heart of South Brisbane in the late 19th century.

[1] The place has a special association with the life or work of a particular person, group or organisation of importance in Queensland's history.