the construction of the apa building marked the beginning of the development of the eastern end of martin place and phillip street as a major commercial and professional precinct. it was designed and constructed for the former australian provincial assurance association ltd on a block purchased to construct a new headquarters for the association. the association subsequently remained in the building for over fifty years. the building represents a brief period of economic expansion between the end of the depression and the second world war. the architect david w. king occupied a suite in the building for over thirty years and was largely responsible for ongoing maintenance and alterations to the building during this time.