It was created in the early 19th century from a cattle track which follows a ridge from Mount Keira to the first farm house in the area, and quickly became the "main" street of the then-town.

Today Crown Street is the main arterial route through Wollongong from the southern suburbs to the north east.

Crown Street has also now become a major shopping district after being partially converted into a mall in the mid 1980s.

There is currently a revitalisation scheme under way that includes converting this area to al fresco dining for night shoppers.

South Building used to have a food court but this was replaced by a medical centre in the early 21st century, and the area is now a Rivers menswear outlet.