Car showrooms and repair shops became one of the fastest growing developments near main roads around 1920 and 1940, giving much- needed opportunities to architects experimenting with Modernism. Land on either side of William Street, the principal artery to the affluent (car-owning) eastern suburbs, became taken over by automobile centres for brands such as Chevrolet, Packard, Ford and Jaguar. The forgotten Packard centre by Lipson was an important contribution, with its saw—tooth steel-framed roof and two-level access. It sits on the edge of Woolloomooloo Creek, now covered up by Stream Street.

The interior has been successfully converted into Mario’s second restaurant by the firm Gordon + Valich, following their earlier design for Mario’s in Stanley Street. Much of the original roofing, steel windows and walls is still apparent, while the rear curved window remains untouched.

The new work by Gordon + Vouch is highly sensitive to the original Lipson and Koad building.