The scene of the crime

The smoldering ashes of urban decay can incubate the most radical of ideas. Warhol knew this when, in 1962, he took a forgotten, rotting loft, in a dark corner of New York’s Red Light district and opened “the Factory”. Pop culture now had its first address! Nearly twenty years later, Tony Wilson leased an old yacht builder’s warehouse in industrial Manchester and christened it, “The Hacienda”. What followed changed music forever.

A re-hashing of great space has always been the birthright of people searching to escape the masses and make a statement. The re-inventing of what was discarded, ignored, or neglected has entered a Golden Age and has become a pillar of design. This generation owns it like no other.

The narrative unfolded within the historic red brick warehouse at 47 Easey Street, an iconic space that experienced a transformative rebirth guided by the vision of company founders James Lanyon and Mark Grayson. Originally constructed as a wool storage warehouse during the industrial revolution, the robust building morphed through various roles—a chocolate factory, a sandal factory, and even the epicenter for Melbourne’s first IP addresses in the early days of the internet. Despite facing challenges and witnessing its final days hosting all-night raves, it seemed destined for occupancy by squatters and addicts. However, a new chapter emerged as Easey Street took over, breathing new life, energy, and direction into the space for 12 years. James and Mark, along with a few collaborators, contributed to the renaissance of old ’47.

The journey embarked on a new trajectory in 2021 when James and Mark acquired the historic premises at 24 Groom Street . With a rich history dating back to the 1900s, Groom Street has undergone a remarkable transformation under their stewardship, as they enlisted Simulaa architects for the restoration – a pivotal role in breathing new life into its time-honoured walls.

The narrative of 24 Groom Street unfolds with its inception in September 1911, as it was requisitioned by the Department of Defence. It subsequently transformed into the stronghold of the Commonwealth Harness, Saddlery, and Leather Accoutrements Factory, crafting equipment for the armed forces until the late 1920s. Over the ensuing decades, the building seamlessly transitioned through diverse roles, progressing from the Bourke & Cooke boot factory in the 1930s to a nucleus for Zig Zag Paper’s illustrious roll-your-own ciggie papers. By 1973, National Can Industries took ownership, and they continued to inhabit the building as their corporate office until a recent juncture.

Fast forward to the present, and this 925sq m factory has been reborn as the HQ of Easey Street Group. James and Mark, along with their creative cohorts, have infused the space with a vibrant spirit. The building now houses Easey Street Group’s offices and showrooms. The atmosphere is distinctly Easey—uber-chill, with mellow tunes, and a welcoming vibe that invites visitors to linger. The historic past and the modern present converge, creating an organic experience for those interacting with the collections represented within these storied walls.

The legacy of 24 Groom Street lives on, woven into the fabric of Easey Street Group’s ongoing adventure.