History
The Porter House was originally commissioned in 1876 by philanthropist and horticulturist, Hugh Dixson, and started life as Dixson & Sons’ grand tobacco factory. In 1891, furniture manufacturer WW Campbell & Co and famous leather merchant George Johnson & Sons leased the building, continuing its historical association with quality artisanship – a tradition The Porter House Hotel – MGallery continues to honour.
In 1912 George Johnsson and Sons purchased the entire building and continued to operate their leather business there until 1958 when it was sold to Porter and Co. Porter and Co, owned by the Kallinikos family, had operated and resided at the News Agency, 118 Bathurst Street, next door on the corner of Bathurst and Castlereagh Streets since 1921. Harry Kallinikos, also known as Harry Porter moved the News Agency, stationers, tobacconist and other businesses into the ground floor of 203 Castlereagh Street after converting the building for retail and office use. The building was renamed Porter House. The Johnson name was left on the sides of the building. Harry repaired all the floors, added windows and leased the other four floors to various businesses including the Australian Broadcasting Commission (two floors), R. C. A. Aust., Tanna, Flavelles Dental, insurance offices, solicitors and accountants.
After Harry Porter died in 1979, Iphy and Poppy, continued to operate the News Agency until 1989 when they sold Porter House to Fink family interests (who also owned other adjacent properties). Harry was a prominent member of the Greek community. Iphy is a generous contributor to the arts in Sydney, in particular opera, orchestra and theatre.
The Porter House now comprises of two buildings – the new signature MGallery Hotel that occupies the first 10 floors of the 36-storey sleek modern tower; and the original building, beautifully restored where our dine and drink destinations span five levels. More than just a hotel, The Porter House is an immersive oasis in the city.
The Porter House Hotel Sydney is located upon Gadigal land and waterways. We acknowledge and pay our respects to Gadigal Elders past, present, and emerging.
