Manchester Unity of Oddfellows' New Offices, Grosvenor Street, Manchester.

As we stated a fortnight ago. at the annual conference of the Unity on June 2 the contest about the location of the new Unity offices between Manchester and London resulted in a victory for the city which gives the birth‑name to the society, and it was decided that the new offices be erected in Grosvenor‑street, Manchester, on the site of the present offices, which are the property of the society. We now give an illustration of the proposed building, the architect of which is Mr. John B. Thornley, of 45, Market Street, Darwen, and of Blackpool. The architect's estimate for the building is £14,148. [Building News 19 June 1914 Page 848]

THE NEW OFFICES OF THE SOCIETY. Our illustration shows the premises now in course of erection in Grosvenor-street, Manchester, for the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, and comprises a suite of up-to-date offices which will be devoted entirely to the fraternity enabling the various departments to worked under one roof, each department being self-centred and the whole plan arranged for intercommunication. Externally the front facing Grosvenor Street is of vitreous terra cotta known as Whitbred, which closely resembles Portland stone, the design being a Classical adaptation. Internally the various rooms and departments will be well fitted up and furnished, dado panelling and tiling to the walls being effectively used along with fibrous piaster and other suitable decorations. The architect Bro. John B. Thornley, Darwen and London, and the builders are Messrs. E. Marshall and Sons Ltd., Ashton-under-Lyne.[Manchester Courier 29 May 1915 page 8]

Foundation    24 May 1915
Opening        officially opened on Wednesday 10 May 1916

Reference    Building News 19 June 1914 Page 848 with illustration
Reference    Manchester Courier 25 May 1915 page 10 – foundation stone
Reference    Manchester Courier 29 May 1915 page 8 – description and illustration
Reference    Manchester City News Saturday 13 May 1916 Page 2 – opening
Reference    Manchester Guardian 1 January 1917.