63, Argyle Street, Glasgow

Commercial building extended in 1864 in similar style to S, in Dunlop Street W only 3 bays remaining. 4-storey and attic, fine essay in wood-encased, masonry-concealed cast-iron framing, with Egyptian details. Painted ashlar. Modern shop fronts at ground with frieze and 1st floor cill course.

Built on site of former Buck's Head Hotel. Forms a watershed in structural logic, iron-framed (McConnell's patent) and disguised yet with applied IRON columns. Thomson's warehouse designs made reference to those of David Hamilton. Similar ornament was employed earlier by Thomson at Grosvenor Building (1859) and the Cairney Buildings (1860), and later at the Grecian Building (1865) and the Egyptian Halls (1871-3), Glasgow. The modern extension to S in Dunlop Street has followed the 1864 design in a more severe and lower key.(Historic Environment Scotland List Entry)

21 June 2023: External inspection finds the building to be in fair condition but vacant on upper floors. The ground floor and possibly 1st storey are occupied by a cafe and are not considered to be at risk. Discoloration is noted, particularly on the upper masonry and west elevation, indicating possible issues with damp. There is netting over the decorative masonry at roof level, but it is unclear if this is for safety or to deter bird nesting. Further information to be sought from local authority. Move to At Risk. Condition set to Fair and Risk to Low.