1998: AMEX Building Redevelopment

Photo taken by the Author (2021). 

The King George Tower (commonly known as the American Express Building) at the corner of George and King Street's was designed by John Andrews. The office building completed in 1976 rises to a height of 131 metres or 32 storeys. In 1983, it won the John Sulman medal.

It was an innovative building for its time, particularly for attempts to promote energy efficiency and facing the corner of two city streets.

Source: Totaro, P. 1996. "Tower branches out into $60m greenhouse". The Sydney Morning Herald, March 12: 5. 

Two decades later, building owners AMP Capital and Industry Superannuation Property Trust decided to upgrade the building to make it Sydney's first "bio-climatic" tower. The idea was to ensure that it remained innovative by incorporating new technologies to boost energy efficiency.

Gardens would be placed at various levels on the south west corner of the tower while innovative glazing would replace the polycarbonate sunshades. Both would work in tandem to control the temperatures inside the building.

Shops that were located underground were moved up to street level, reflecting the desire of Sydney City Council to boost street activity and improve the streetscape. 

Source: Susskind, A. 1998. "Architect sees prized tower turned into a 'joke'". The Sydney Morning Herald, April 16: 3. 

As the refurbishment neared completion in 1998, architect John Andrews expressed his dismay telling The Sydney Morning Herald that he tried to "avoid looking at it" and that Sydney City Council was "gutless" for approving it and allowing it to be "ruined".  However those associated with the refurbishment claimed that articles had been written about it and that there was an interest by university students and architectural firms for tours.

Current owners, Investa and Brookfield recently undertook another refurbishment of the tower. The podium was renovated and the gardens have disappeared. They have maintained the focus on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. In addition a six level mixed retail and commercial annex was constructed. 

There will be those who will not agree with the renovations as some buildings are to be preserved in their original shape or form but modern skyscrapers do need the ability to evolve with the times and to respond to the needs of businesses that seek office space. 388 George Street also faces competition in attracting tenants to city towers, especially with the options available at Barangaroo and soon to be at Circular Quay. 388 George Street is a building that seeks to reflect current innovations and I see that as the years progress, it will be a building that adapts to the times.

Below are photos of the recently renovated podium taken by yours truely.