Imperial Buildings Oxford Road and Charles Street Manchester

A NEW BUILDING FOR OXFORD STREET. Councillor R S Harper yesterday laid the foundation stone of a new block of buildings which is being erected in Oxford Street, Manchester, at the corner of Charles Street. The new structure which is being built for Messrs Cohen, drapers, of Manchester, will be known as Cohen’s Buildings. The architect is Mr Charles Swain of Manchester and the general contractors are Messrs Lambourne and Company Limited of Manchester and London. The ground floor will be almost wholly occupied by a café and restaurant and the six floors above divided up into suites of offices. A smoke-room and café will be situated in the basement. The facings to the Oxford Street and Charles Street facades will be in Portland stone. The roof is of the mansard type, steel framed and covered externally with Welsh slates. The window openings are all of a spacious character and provided with steel sashes. The building will have accommodation for some 84 offices. A portion of the scheme which is now in progress and which will mean filing up all the space between Charles street and the viaduct will provide accommodation for about 150 more. [Manchester Guardian 8 September 1922 page 9]

The most magnificent newly-erected eight storey building in the city. Designed by Mr Charles Swain, architect, of Manchester. Fireproof throughout. Constructed of steel, concrete and Portland stone. All modern conveniences. Electric lighting, central heating and passenger lift. Six floors of offices to be let singly or in suites. Perfect natural light in every office. Ground Floor and Basement ideally situated and specially adapted for any high class business. Approximate ground floor space 2,400 square feet with basement of similar area. [Manchester Guardian 30 June 1923 page 3- To be Let]