From Ithaca Iceworks to perfection from every direction.

In the beginning...

Opened in 1926, Ithaca Iceworks operated on the same site for 70 years. The founders of the business were James Mee and Arthur Ryan. Long before the days of household refrigeration, ice was big business - in the 20s, there were around 30 ice-makers in Brisbane.

In the early 50s, self-service ice was introduced at Iceworks. This proved to be an enduring hit for many years after.

In 1996, the Mee family took the decision to move their successful ice-making business to the south-eastern suburb of Hemmant. Today, it continues to prosper. The Paddington site remained in the Mee family's hands and is now about to enter another exciting new phase in its history.

^ The old Ithaca Iceworks Icebox.

Iceworks Keepsakes

The old Iceworks holds fond memories for many locals. In particular, the 24 hour party ice dispenser which has been located on the wall on the Dowse St façade of the old building since the mid 1970's. It was not uncommon for publicans to visit the machine in the wee hours with a box trailer and a bag full of coins to replenish their party ice supply for their establishments. This amenity was a very popular innovation in its day and remained so until the factory was moved to Hemmant. The Mee family were forced to seal the coin slots permanently some years after the dispenser was decommissioned due to people still feeding coins through the slots expecting their ice to be dispensed. Those coin slots and the dispensing unit have been recovered to make an appearance somewhere in the new building.

The original compressor has also been salvaged and will feature prominently in the pool area of the development.

We have also a detailed catalogue of digital images of the façade of the old Iceworks factory which features large amounts of graffiti art.

So, fortunately some of the ‘old' will remain on the site forever and will complement the new development with elements of its historical roots. And a surprise for all our Iceworks purchasers... they will receive their own individual and unique piece of Ithaca Iceworks history as well. But we can't say any more about that just yet!

^ Graffiti from the old factory facade will be incorporated as artwork throughout the Iceworks apartments.

A clear vision

"The Mee Family strategy is a departure from the normal road taken by property developers and sits nicely with our plans to enhance the Paddington area by delivering a mixed-use community centre on a site that's been a part of our family for almost 80 years. This project deserves a fresh and modern approach."