Long-vacant historic building at 5 Palmer St undergoes significant renovation

After sitting vacant for decades, a historic NQ building has undergone a refurbishment similar to the ‘greasy’ building and the Empire Hotel. SEE THE BEFORE AND AFTER.

Exterior view of the historic property at 5 Palmer St, which had sat dormant for over 20 years. Picture: Google Maps.

An exciting new chapter is beginning for a long-vacant, historic building in South Townsville, after it followed in the footsteps of the Queens Building and Empire Hotel with a significant renovation.

There is a rich history behind the building at 5 Palmer St, located between Masala Indian Cuisine and Grill’d, which had sat vacant for over 20 years prior to its purchase by Townsville-based KMW Property Developments for $600,000 in April.

“(We put in) a new shop front and glazing, and tried to keep as much of the original stuff as we could, like the balustrading up top.

“(Then) opened up the top floor, knocked out a few walls … to get a bit more natural light in there … so it will be a good space for a bar or some form of a shop.”

New owners Kayle Wright and his partner Melissa Previtera were keen to continue their momentum in renovating Townsville’s historic buildings, after teaming up with property developer Brodie Jankovic to restore the Queens Building (formerly known as the “greasy building”) and The Empire Hotel.

KMW Property Developments Melissa Previtera with Les Chun Tie, whose family threw their support behind the revival of 5 Palmer St, to ensure it remained a meaningful part of Townsville’s cultural fabric. Picture: Supplied.

With various items stacked from floor to ceiling in the building, including an estimated 10,000 editions of the Townsville Bulletin, Mr Wright said they dumped 50 truckloads during the clean-up phase of the $600,000 renovation.

“Then we pretty much hooked straight in and got into renovating it … to get the shell back to where it was … then it was pretty much just all the superficial stuff that needed, replacing and removing,” Mr Wright said.

Developers and joint owners of the historic Queens Hotel building, Brodie Jankovic and Kayle Wright. Picture: Shae Beplate.

In partnership with Rupen Singh, Rav Singh, Sudheshna Singh of ABC Towing, and carpenter Pat Hodgson, Ms Previtera said they were committed to preserving its history and cultural significance of the building, while honouring the Chun Tie family’s legacy.

“In 1954, Harry (Ing Jock) Chun Tie and June (Yuen Lai Houng) Chun Tie built their family home and cafe at this address, where they lived with their daughter Mee Sim (Dolly) Chun Tie – later known as Mee Sim (Dolly) Szenyeri,” Ms Previtera said.

Before work commenced to clean and renovate the historic building at 5 Palmer St, South Townsville. Picture: Supplied.

“Harry, born in Croydon, was a skilled artist, sign-writer, and craftsman whose murals and stage work were admired across the city. June, originally from Hong Kong, was the driving force behind the cafe and a beloved figure in the community.

“The cafe began as a fish and chip shop before evolving into the lively Canton Cabaret, known for its vibrant atmosphere and Harry’s handpainted interiors.”

Work in progress to upgrade the historic building at 5 Palmer St, South Townsville. Picture: Supplied.

She said it later became the Lai Hoo Cafe – meaning “Good Food Cafe” – a favourite local spot for Chinese meals, burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes, especially among local residents.

“While the exact details remain under wraps, the new venture is set to open soon, bringing fresh energy to this iconic location,” she said.

Post-renovation view of the historic building at 5 Palmer St, South Townsville. Picture: Supplied.

Originally published as Long-vacant historic building at 5 Palmer St undergoes significant renovation