The once-derelict Beehive Building is being restored to its former glory.
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Aspects of the Pall Mall landmark's reconstruction have proved challenging to complete.
The skill and workmanship required to restore a staircase near the Hargreaves Street entrance of the building proved particularly difficult.
Phillip Di Donato is a restoration and renovation specialist, who is also the site supervisor for the project.
He said finding someone willing to take up the task of restoring the staircase was painstaking.
"The second staircase closer to the Mall had timber that was hand carved and doesn't exist today," he said.
"We had to rebuild it with a different type of timber and a new approach."
After contacting numerous local tradespeople, Ashley Gayle answered the call.
Mr Gayle has worked at Golden City Mitre 10 for more than three decades.
Growing up in Kangaroo Flat and now residing in Spring Gully, he hadn't ventured into the building until recently.
Mr Gayle, a master joiner, spent 180 hours working on the Beehive's staircase.
"It was a bit of a daunting task initially," he said.
"I relied on the skills I got from other projects and persisted until I got the job done."
Mr Gayle is modest about his restoration achievements, while Mr Di Donato is in awe of the tradesman's skill.
"It was incredibly difficult to find a person to rebuild the staircase," Mr Di Donato said.
"Ashley brought it back to life.
"Restoring the original pattern and curve was a lost trade."
Mr Gayle said what remained of the existing staircase enabled him to create duplicates and patterns that he could use in the reconstruction.
"There was evidence on the floor of where the staircase was originally," he said.
"I was able to remanufacture components to match the existing detail."
Finishing the staircase's handrail was particularly satisfying, given the intricate nature of the work.
"The tricky part was when we had to duplicate some hand rail," Mr Gayle said.
"It was quite a chunky profile handrail and not something that was ideal to copy."
The time and effort invested by Mr Gayle has received nothing but praise from Mr Di Donato.
"So many people walked in and just walked away when they saw what was required," he said.
"The way the rail turns and the intricate detail is incredible.
"Ashley made the timber talk."
The three-level reconstruction is advertising for tenants.
The ground floor of 650 square metres includes a walkway connecting the entrance of Pall Mall to the remainder of the building.
The first floor features two architecturally detailed function rooms and 10 smaller meeting rooms.
The second level boasts four individual offices and ancillary space.
The building's 1440 square metres is available to lease for $250,000 per year plus GST and outgoings, with licence to hold 650 people.
This Weekend Advertiser article is the second of a series detailing the restoration of the Beehive Building.