“Pembroke” is nine-storey block of apartments built in 1938, just prior to the beginning of World War II, during the inter-war period. It has two addresses: 5 Onslow Place, facing east to Sydney Harbour and overlooking the rear of Elizabeth Bay House, and its Macleay Street frontage entrance address, 36B Macleay Street.

It comprises 22 one-bedroom units and studios.

However, another nearby apartment block, “Saint Ursula”, also claims to be number 5 Onslow Place. The reason for the anomaly is unknown but the postman would have no difficulty delivering mail as postboxes are at the 36B Macleay Street address.

During the inter-ware period architectural styles followed on the heels of the Art Deco movement and then the Modernist style.

Curves were popular, and are a design feature of Pembroke’s east-facing sun balconies.

The architect is unknown at this stage although further research might well reveal their identity.

On 21st November 1939 an “unusual death” was reported in the media. 50 year-old resident, George Sterling, a Commonwealth Bank bank clerk, still dressed in his pyjamas, fell from the eighth floor roof garden during the night. It is not known how the incident occurred.

by Andrew Wodhouse

Heritage Solutions