Loco Hall, a historic building in North Melbourne that was originally built in 1914, was saved thanks to the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne “O Kolokotronis.”
During its 100 years of operation, the building has served as a movie theater and the Locomotive Association of Victoria head office. Since 1985, Loco Hall houses the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne.
On Friday, the association held an event where they presented historic photos and documents, as well as a new bilingual book on the building’s history, entitled “Loco Hall 1914-2014,” in celebration of its 100th anniversary.
Panarcadian Association President Dimitrios Alexopoulos noted that since the Arcadians acquired the building in 1985, their main goal was to refurbish it, turning it into an operating cultural center that would be able to house the association’s events. They respected the building and every change they made was consistent with its original design.
The Association has had some difficult times over the last 55 years, he said. However, it is important that at this moment, the Association is financially stable, powerful and decisive. Its members have found a wonderful home in Loco Hall, they have improved its facilities, renovated the building and overall returned it to its former glory.