This location on the corner of Napier and St David’s Street was once the site of C. F. Rojo & Sons. Christobal Francis Rojo, was a furniture Manufacturer and General Wood Worker and commenced business in Fitzroy in the year 1877. I am not sure when this factory was built, but it looks much later than this.
Early in 1883 he removed to Melbourne and set up at 453-357 Swanston Street. From here he established a fine reputation. “Every variety of work is undertaken and executed with the strictest attention to detail, great care always being taken to select the best quality and class of timber suitable for each particular article required by his numerous patrons”. (The Cyclopedia of Victoria, 1903-1905, Vol. 2, p 161-162).
James Thornton who was also In Swanston St, was also a woodturner, who served his apprenticeship under Mr Rojo.
It is clear from the image below, that at some point after 1905, Christobal Rojo or his sons return to Fitzroy where they set up the factory below, which now sports a vibrant cafe.
