Adelaide’s Electra House to undergo ‘significant transformation’ from July

It’s not even a decade since this Adelaide heritage building had a $10 million makeover – but it’s already getting another facelift.

The setting for bridal showers, wedding receptions and even a photo-shoot for couture house Paolo Sebastian, Adelaide’s Electra House is calling last drinks.

Well, in its Chamber Bar anyhow.

The powers that be at Electra House have told their more than 7000 followers on Instagram that the bar will “undergo a significant transformation” from July 1.

While they wouldn’t give too much away, they hinted it would be a major facelift and some.

“Expect dramatic new aesthetics and an overhauled food and beverage menu,” the post stated.

The post also said Electra House’s general service bar would continue to be open to the public during the renovation “using the Garden Bar and Level 1”.

“The work will not impact our events department, and we will continue to offer our premium yet affordable events,” it said.

Tiahnee from Pride Models in a Paolo Sebastian gown at Electra House in 2018. Picture: Matt Turner

Instagram followers were then invited to “experience the original Electra” to “enjoy its charm one last time”.

The Chamber Bar isn’t just calling last drinks either – it will have a huge send off on Saturday, June 29, with an “official last dance with the help of past resident DJs and drink specials”.

Electra House, on King William St opposite Adelaide Town Hall, is a 1901 three-storey heritage-listed building that has been home to Citizens’ Life Assurance Company, a telegraph exchange, Post Master General’s technicians’ school, and a telecommunications museum.

It also has Adelaide’s first electric lift, which is still there.

Electra House in King William St was built in 1901 and includes Adelaide’s first electric lift. Picture: Courtesy State Library of SA

The heritage-listed building has been a Citizens’ Life Assurance Company, a telegraph exchange, Post Master General’s technicians’ school, and a telecommunications museum. Picture: Tom Huntley

Electra House has already had a $10 million makeover in 2015. Picture: Tom Huntley

Electra House was dormant for close to 20 years, during which time it hosted pop-ups such as Adelaide Fringe venue Tuxedo Cat.

After a $10 million mega makeover, it reopened in 2015 with its swanky Chamber Bar, restaurant, beer garden and event ­spaces.

Interior designer Danielle Elia said at the time that it had a colonial Singapore meets LA glam theme.

“The building itself was so beautiful so just walking into the space set the tone for what it was going to be,” she said.