the building was opened in may 1937 and was considered successful by the press of the period. the first tenant was of course, the australian provincial assurance association who occupied the ground floor, three quarters of the first floor and all of the basement, but other floors were taken by the legal firm of allen, allen and hemsley, by a government department and several smaller organisations, including the architectural practice of david king himself. the lower ground floor was occupied for many years by a quality restaurant (cahill's) with direct access from elizabeth street via steps.