Former Robert Gordon University (RGU) Union building, 54-70, Schoolhill, Aberdeen

Alexander Marshall Mackenzie (for Matthew and Mackenzie Architects), 1885-6. Substantial 3-storey and attic L-plan block of commercial and residential buildings in the Renaissance style. Comprises 2 distinct designs sympathetically treated to create a well-integrated run. Grey granite ashlar with red Correnie granite dressings.

Nos 46-50: 7-bay corner building with shops to ground; splayed at SE with fluted pilasters to 1st floor, plinthed urns above cornice flank prominent angled pilastered dormer with entabulature, finials, fish-scale slated roof and cast-iron crown. 5 segmental-arch dormers separated by low coped parapet to Schoolhill elevation. 6-bay with 4 dormers to Harriet Street elevation.

Nos 54-70: 8-bay (S elevation) corner building; channelled rustication to ground floor; splayed SW corner with stone mullioned tripartite openings to 1st and 2nd floors; giant pilasters with Ionic style capitals terminate 2nd and 3rd storey bays at S and W elevations. Triangular pedimented gable end at W elelvation with keystoned occulus. Raised blocks above cornice forming castellated effect. 8 setback pedimented tripartite dormers within mansarded roof. 8-bay to W elevation with similar treatment.

Plate-glass timber sash and case windows throughout; grey slate, red granite ashlar ridge and end stacks; clay cans. Cast-iron rainwater goods.

Situated on high ground at the top of Schoolhill this block follows the gentle curve of the street. It is a good example of the work of local architect Alexander Marshall Mackenzie. The unusual use of contrasting red granite dressings have been introduced to ease the transition from the more traditional grey granite buildings on the right, to the more formal Renaissance style and heavier red granite dressings of the Art Gallery and associated buildings on the left, also by A M Mackenzie (see Art Gallery List Description). The careful handling of Renaissance motifs has resulted in a strong composition which contributes positively to the streetscape. This part of Schoolhill was straightened in the 1880s when the Denburn Viaduct was constructed to line up with the immense Rosemount Viaduct to the W. The area was the educational heart of the city during the later half of the 19th Century. (Historic Environment Scotland List Entry)

21 February 2019: Local planners advise the ground floor has been boarded up and the upper floors are vacant. There is gradual deterioration, with high level vegetation. For Investigation.

5 March 2019: External inspection finds this building in good condition overall but it appears to be vacant and disused with the ground floor openings boarded up. There has been some masonry loss (minimal) and high level vegetation growths are visible. The BBC reported the property had been sold to the Malmaison Hotel du Vin group (5/12/2014). The Press and Journal reported remains of more than 20 medieval skeletons had been uncovered by construction workers on the grounds in July 2015 (25/07/2015). Planning permission was conditionally granted for change of use to hotel, restaurant and bar with extension in October 2015 (ref: 150513). The Evening Express reported delays with plans to convert the former student union into a luxury hotel (19/06/2015). Move to At Risk.