Lewis, McDonnell, Noble Houses

Built-in 1915

Lewis House (Male 9/10), McDonnell House (Male 11), and Noble House (Male 12/13) are three similar buildings. 

These buildings were part of a major expansion of the male section in the 1910s. In 1911, the Department of Works, closely advised by Ellerton, prepared plans for two identical blocks. Construction commenced on both buildings in 1912, but they were not completed until 1915. The block was oriented with the main elevation facing the cricket ground. The exterior was of exposed red brick to the first floor level and rough cast render with light coloured ochre finish above. The planning of each floor was similar with two large dormitories opening to verandahs, a central dining room with a bay window, and a scullery and bathroom at the rear. Each floor accommodated 60 patients. The dormitory wards were designed, according to Ellerton, to be 'light, airy, cheerful'. The area in front of the building was laid out with flower beds, lawn and gravel paths. Unlike the older wards, the gardens were not surrounded by high fences but low timber railings to reduce the sense of confinement. In 2020, they are vacant and had most of the later fabric removed, along with most internal fittings and finishes. These building was heritage-listed in 1992. The Queensland Police Service currently owns the building, and it is not in use.

 

Naming

• Lewis House is named after Sir Aubrey Julian Lewis, an Australian. He was the first Professor of Psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry, London, at the famous Maudsley Institute of London.

• McDonnell House is named after Dr McDonnell, who was an official visitor to the hospital and was a dignified and impressive member of the medical profession.

• Noble House is named after Dr Henry Winston Noble, who was the Minister for Health and also worked in psychiatry.

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Lewis House Chronology

1915: Building construction was completed

1944: alterations for a cafeteria

1945: renovations to showers

1963: substantial remodelling

1973: remodelling of wards

1973: a two-storeyed attached laundry building constructed

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McDonnell House Chronology

1915: Building construction was completed

1944: alterations for a cafeteria

1965: new staff room

1971: major renovations including alterations to stairwells, a new toilet block, steel windows introduced, large wards subdivided, new concrete tiled roof.​

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Noble House Chronology

1915: Building construction was completed

1945: alterations to showers

1968: major renovations, including alterations, including a new tile roof and windows, demolition of attached toilet block, demolition of bay windows, new fire escape, subdivision of large wards, single rooms converted to bathrooms

1970: new laundry 

1992: conversion of the upper level for staff training 

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