John Harry Grainger: Architect and Civil Engineer
New Partnership in Melbourne
Again the experience of travel seemed to restore Grainger’s health and energy. He moved with Falconer back to Melbourne where he entered into partnership with Phillip Kennedy and John Little. Grainger, Kennedy & Little practiced as architects and civil engineers and had an office at 123 Queen Street in central Melbourne.
This last period of his professional life began with a quite prestigious success. Shortly after his arrival in Melbourne he won first prize in a competition for a design for a northern wing to Melbourne’s Town Hall. His firm was also responsible for the design of St Michaels Catholic Church in North Melbourne. By 1910 the firm was reduced to Grainger & Little but continued to secure significant projects. Their commissions included the State Savings Bank and Collins House (both now demolished).
Grainger became increasingly troubled by rheumatic symptoms and his health deteriorated dramatically by the outbreak of World War 1. His last building design was for an extension to Coombe Cottage, Nellie Melba’s house at Coldstream in country Victoria. Melba’s father, David Mitchell, was the building contractor for a number of Grainger’s Melbourne projects and the two men were lifelong friends.