Athenaeum Theatre (Former), 179, Buchanan Street, Glasgow

Eclectic with Renaissance detail, pioneer vertical (elevator) building. 5 storeys and basement, 3 main bays. Ashlar, channelled at ground floor, metal window frames. Narrow gabled northern stair tower. Broad doorway with mannerist window above. 1st floor canted balustraded balcony; above full-height (interrupted by small pedimented window) thin pilaster strips between clasping octagonal piers, rising to small turret; irregular fenestration; some steps between pilaster strips; cornice; octagonal "Tower of the Winds" cupola. Gabled section to S, 2 windows to ground floor. Giant arched central recess rising from 1st to 4th floor; 2nd and 3rd floor windows canted, 1st and 2nd set into metal frames, 3rd floor stone window, corbelled with central aediculed window, balcony above; octagonal piers at outer ends of balcony supporting seated sculpted figures. 4th floor window set under wide, keystoned arch, aedicule with sculpted figure in niche at gable apex; turret at southern angle similar to that of stair tower.

An important work by the celebrated architects J J Burnet and J A Campbell, the former Athenaeum Theatre was built in 1891-3. The Dictionary of Scottish Architects notes that this was a pioneering 'elevator' style building where height made the most of the narrow Glasgow plot. It was purpose-built to train drama students and contained a theatre, billiard room, dining room and gymnasium. (Historic Scotland)

17 March 2003: The Glasgow Evening Times reports that Haagen-Dazs had planned to convert the building into a café, but permissions have been refused. The company wanted to replace a large amount of the original stonework with glass to create a picture window onto Buchanan Street. The building was home to the Scottish Youth Theatre between 1989 and 1998. June 2004: External inspection reveals the building to be vacant but in good condition. 8 November 2004: The Glasgow Evening Times reports that the building remains for sale. October 2007: External inspection reveals the building is being renovated and is being marketed for sale as 21,000sq ft retail space. Moved to Restoration in Progress.

November 2010: External inspection finds the building remains derelict. Outwardly it appears to be in good condition. The restoration work completed some time ago but no new use has been found. Moved back to At Risk. It is currently being marketed through Savills.

30 April 2012: A member of the public advises that part of the building, the former main auditorium, is currently in use as a retail store.

3 December 2012: Local planners advise part of the building has been temporarily brought back into retail use. Works were undertaken in 2006 to alter the auditorium to increase floorspace for retail use. The remaining sections of the building remain disused and mothballed.

6 March 2013: External inspection finds the temporary store has now closed down and the property is now disused.

14 May 2013: A member of the public advises applications are currently being sought to convert the building into a Hard Rock Cafe venue. Full Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent for a licensed restaurant (Class 3) with ancillary retail use and part use of adjacent footway as external seating area is under consideration ref: 13/00717/DC & 13/00718/DC.