The former ASN Co warehouse and office building was built in 1884. The site has a long history because of its prominent location in the Rocks area, situated on the edge of the Quay and adjacent to the various wharfs, within the main commercial maritime centre. It is associated with the famous early merchant, Robert Campbell. No later store of this construction type was built in the area. The building was designed by the very prominent architect, William Wilkinson Wardell, who chiefly practiced in Victoria. He was an outstanding architect of the nineteenth century who was prolific and best known for building churches, including St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney, public buildings, including the Treasury building, the Mint and Government House in Melbourne, banks including the English, Scottish and Australian Bank in George Street, The Rocks as well as warehouses. The architectural style of the building is a rare intact example of the Pre-Federation Anglo Dutch style. It is a very rare and fine Victorian example of an office and warehouse development in Sydney. The mix of office and warehouse, each exhibit the same architectural style to varying degrees which forms a pleasant whole. Wardell allowed the site shape to partially dominate his design, which is an excellent example of his style. Each bay was a different length, stepping down the site. Although there were other buildings of similar style that existed in Sydney, none of them incorporate such picturesque facades with this type of layout nor do they mix office and warehouse design together. When it was completed it was one of the most prominent buildings in Sydney, and remains an extremely prominent landmark, being visible from Port Jackson and the North Shore and being part of an important vista from Circular Quay to Campbells Cove and beyond. It was one of the last substantial warehouses with a timber structural system built in Sydney, from 1885 cast iron columns were used instead of timber. The construction method of the building is possibly the earliest surviving example of the use in Sydney of steam cranes imported from England. The importance of steam shipping to the colony's economy is strongly reflected through the high architectural style and the prominent waterfront location of the building. The building is significant as a Landmark building, from its original construction to the present day in Sydney. It holds significance in its associations with The Rocks, Campbell Cove and Circular Quay and is part of a historical precinct that includes Cadmans Cottage, Mission to Seaman Chapel and the Sailors Home which together strongly illustrate this former maritime neighbourhood. It contributes strongly to the character of The Rocks and is an area that is well visited by residents and tourists.