The creative community was shocked when The Nicholas building was listed for sale in June.
Former staff members of the heritage-listed building are pleading for potential buyers to keep using the space as a hub for artists.
Architect Christie Pestinis told The Guardian the building is a ‘really important’ part of Melbourne’s creative scene.
“People are proud and happy to be there – and everyone has a story about the building,” Pestinis says.
“It’s the hub of Melbourne’s creative scene.”
“It’s always had incredibly diverse occupants.”
Dimitri ‘Dimi’ Bradas was a lift operator in the building between 2006 and 2013. He also spoke with The Guardian about his experience working at the building.
“I used to sculpt and draw. While being a lift attendant I’d be working on my own drawings in the lift, in the corner. I was in my own fantasy land,” Bradas says.
“I would just sit and draw. I would draw in the mornings when it was quiet. Then I’d pack it up when it got busy and later in the afternoons I would draw again. And eventually, I had a studio there in the building.
“I made good, lasting friendships from the building.”
Source: The Guardian
