Owned by J. A. Boell, formerly the “Fitzroy Ice and Refrigerating Company” started in 1877.
Slightly contradicting the above, Lina Favrin, Yarra Libraries says: “Dated as early as 1888, the “Dutch gabled” facade is what’s left of the original building first occupied by the Produce & Refrigerating Co. It was at about this time that refrigeration technology was first being widely introduced in Victoria for ice-making and the cold storage of dairy products, meat and beer. The site continued to be occupied by various companies associated with the refrigerated food and ice industry for over a hundred years.” (Yarra Past Port)
It appears there may have been a fire or something with this ice works factory which reduced the size of the factory, because what exists today is just one side and it is like the lower floor is missing, replaced with moving the whole structure down to the ground level. More investigation to be done.
