A major element in the Ryrie St commercial streetscape, this building is Geelong's best Edwardian Freestyle commercial design and has the city's first cantilever veranda. Its first owner was estate agent Frances Leary.

Note the 'crown-like bayed parapet created by the parapet and surmounting dome,' oriel windows and the 'high mansard-like roofline'. Tombs and Durran are also associated with the Geelong Picture Theatre (1913, Ryrie St), another Federation Freestyle commercial building.