The Pelican Surry Hills Apartment 1 is a heritage listed building nestled in an area of historical significance. The Pelican was built circa 1852 from convict hand-dressed sandstone quarried locally. The building was originally two separate two storey terrace houses but in about 1872 they were joined and a third storey was added.
In 1854 the Pelican first opened as the ‘Emerald Isle’ public house. Then in 1863 it was taken over by Jane Aylward who had previously owned the Pelican Hotel on the corner of Pelican Street and South Head Road (now called Oxford Street). She renamed the ‘Emerald Isle’ to the ‘Pelican’ and was the licensee until 1872. The building has offered accommodation as either a hotel or residential ever since. From 1978 till 2006 the Pelican operated as the first gay hotel in Sydney. By this time the Taylor Square area had become a predominately gay area.
The Pelican Hotel 2005
Today, the Pelican continues its tradition of providing accommodation to travellers looking for an oasis near busy Taylor Square.
Bourke St Taylor Square 1869-1871 Pelican Hotel two storey dark building next to the Church.