The land upon which Nevada is built has an interesting history. Named after Governor Ralph Darling, Darling Point has long been a desirable residential location, a trend which was evident from the early 1830’s when the land was cleared and New South Head Road was built. From that time on, many of the colony’s wealthier and more successful citizens purchased land in Darling Point and built substantial homes.
1900s
In 1900, the Etham Estate was subdivided and the land upon which Nevada stands was purchased by the See Family. Sir John See (1846 – 1907), merchant and politician, was Premier of NSW from 1901 to 1904. The See Family built their residence “Urara” on this land, a sister home to the mansion the family had already built in Randwick in 1879, of the same name.
1920s and 1930s
In the 1920s, “Urara” became the residence of the Herbert Solomon Family. Herbert Solomon (1871- 1945) son of John Soloman a gold bullion dealer, was a noted collector of cacti and succulents and Urara became renowned for its carefully tended cacti gardens.
1940s and 1950s
Where glasshouses, cacti and rockeries once stood, Nevada Apartments emerged during the period 1949-1951. The expansive apartments, featuring modern concrete floors overlaid with traditional, high-quality parquetry flooring, reflect an art deco style whilst the building facade embraces the “International Style”. Nevada’s s well-proportioned exterior reflects a new post-war era in which clean lines were married to generous window openings and gracious rooms.
Nevada was a building of its’ time, a towering five levels in an otherwise low-rise Darling Point and home to many renowned city and rural-based Australian families. During its early decades, Nevada boasted a high profile shareholder register and has, over the years, played the part of home and host to many prominent Australians.
Nevada today
Nevada’s current owners are proud of their gracious building and its architectural and social heritage. In order to upgrade the building to meet the changing residential needs and demands of 21st century Sydney-siders Nevada has, over recent years, commissioned a substantial program of infrastructure modernisation and improvement. With many major works to be completed by late 2014, Nevada’s future as a beautiful and modern residential complex continues to look as bright as ever.