They also tended to rely on small overdrafts from the trading banks in times of financial crisis or economic recession.

[1] On 16 Sept 1874, the Toowoomba Chronicle's Brisbane correspondent published an editorial comment on the principles of co-operation and self-help reflected in the building society movement.

The article emphasised how "an industrious man [has] an excellent opportunity to shake himself...free of his landlord...it facilitates the settlement in and around the settlement of trade of a....body of people who, having secured a stake in a place...are not tempted to migrate upon every trivial occasion..."[1] The benefits of retaining an itinerant workforce in or near a town meant increased population and, accordingly, increased prosperity.

[1] Since 1876 the office of the Toowoomba Permanent Building Society had been located in a suite of rooms in Beirne's Chambers in Margaret Street.

On 15 January 1906, the Society accepted half of Bernard Dowd's offer for £1500 for premises situated on the southern side of Russell Street.

In June 1933, a new sub-committee comprising Director, HE Brown; an accountant, HJ Parsons and WR Smith, a builder-contractor, was given the brief of finding new premises or land within three weeks.

On 20 July 1933, the sub-committee reported the purchase of the a property on the corner of Neil and Russell Streets from Mrs DE Campbell for £1500, including the existing dwelling valued at £300, which was sold at public auction in October.

The Board ratified the purchase and engaged architect William Hodgen, a former director, to draw up plans and estimates.

Over the next few months there were several "extras" brought before the Board, including sums for doors, steps and porch gates (£36); fanlights (£7-10-0) and a dwarf wall (£75).

[1] The new premises were ready for occupation in mid-October and the Society celebrated the move with a photograph and publicity piece in the Toowoomba Chronicle.

Its corner position at the intersection of Neil and Russell Streets ensured that the building and its grounds were prominent in the streetscape.

Extensions included placing a second entrance, a French door bordered by Doric pilasters, on the western side of the main entry.

Part of the fence along Russell Street was demolished, following extensions to the building, to provide for a parking area.

[1] The northern (front) elevation of the building, facing Russell Street, has a prominent, projecting, rendered front portico with a set of stairs leading to the entry, which has terrazzo tiles and timber framed French doors and a breezeway assembly with decorative glass.

Double hung sash, timber framed windows are located along the front facade, including in the extensions of the western side of the property, and also along the eastern elevation, facing Neil Street.

A second entrance, with timber French doors, is located at the western end of the northern elevation, forming part of the later extensions.

Raised lettering reading "CLEARY AND LEE SOLICITORS" is located along the top of the projecting portico and along the eastern elevation.

[1] The original, detached facebrick garage located in the south-western corner of the site, now attached to the main building, is still apparent.

An office on the western side of the building, forming part of the original section, has been refurbished, including the lowering of the ceiling.

The fence and grounds of the building are significant as elements of the original concept portraying domesticity rather than a commercial enterprise.

[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.