As you're walking along Abbott Street, keep an eye out to the left for the distinct and grand building that is St Monica's High School Administration Building. This two-storey structure is easy to spot with its impressive height and the standout horizontal and vertical lines giving it a sleek, streamlined look. The facade is predominantly light in color, punctuated by subtle yet striking architectural features, including a cross in the center that hints at its rich heritage.
Now, let's dive into the story of this iconic building!
The St Monica's College Sr Cecilia Building, lovingly referred to as St Monica's High School in its early days, has quite the history! This heritage-listed gem was designed by the brilliant Vibert McKirdy Brown and brought to life by the skillful hands of VW Doyle back in 1941. This building has served as the heart of St Monica's school administration for many years, although it's now bustling with classrooms filled with eager students!
St Monica's College holds the proud title of the oldest school in the Cairns region, complete with not just one but two heritage-listed buildings - the Sr Morrissey Building and, of course, the Sr Cecilia Building. The High School was built to provide the Sisters of Mercy a purpose-designed space for secondary education, a need that became urgent during the interwar period.
With a distinctive design that boasts sweeping lines and minimal ornamentation, the building is a testament to the architectural prowess of its era. The reinforced concrete structure, including those deep verandahs, has stood the test of time, quite literally. When construction wrapped up in August 1941 with a price tag of about £5,000, it was considered a major asset to Cairns' architectural landscape.
So next time you're around, give a friendly wave to this magnificent building - a quiet guardian of Cairns’ educational and architectural history!
