Artist Ken Done lists his former Gold Coast showroom for sale

Renowned Australian artist Ken Done is offloading his former Gold Coast showroom and retail store.

Renowned Australian artist Ken Done’s is offloading the Gold Coast building that was once his showroom and retail store. Picture: Tim Hunter.

High-profile Australian artist Ken Done has listed his former Gold Coast showroom after more than 30 years of ownership.

The three-level building in the heart of Surfers Paradise was the artist’s Queensland base for much of the 1990s – until the family shut the retail outlet in 2007.

Since then, the site has been rented for retail and office use and currently has 10 tenants.

Now that Mr Done is in his early 80s – and based in Sydney – the family has decided to give the property a new life.

The three-level building at 34 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise, has hit the market.

The artist’s son, property developer Oscar Done, said the space was an important part of the family’s business for a long time.

“There’s certainly some history there, but we’re not often on the Gold Coast so I’d rather see someone purchase it who has the energy and means to do something great with it,” Mr Done said.

Ray White Commercial Gold Coast agents Scott Wells and Brad Merkur have the task of selling the property. “It represents a fantastic opportunity to purchase a quality asset in a highly sought-after location in the heart of the Surfers Paradise entertainment precinct,” Mr Wells said.

The shopfront of the Done retail store in the 1990s. Picture: Supplied by the Done family

The Done company purchased the showroom and retail space for $7.1m in 1990. It is set to be auctioned on October 20 but no price guide has been offered.

Mr Wells said it was difficult to provide comparable sales due the site’s unique attributes. It is being sold as freehold, fully leased and with 13 private car parks.

The property was last placed on the market between 2017 and 2018. The potential for a 25-level tower redevelopment was explored but were later abandoned.

A Ken Done painting of Surfers Paradise. Picture: Supplied by the Done family

The sandy shores of the glitter strip have influenced several works by the prolific artist. He has painted the modern Surfers Paradise skyline in his unique, bright style several times and has a series of works called Gold Coast Girl.

Mr Done will open an exhibit on the Gold Coast in November.