Great Western Building

The Great Western Building in 1890 when it served as a hotel.

The Great Western Building is a building in Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, India.

The building was once the residence of the Governor of Bombay. William Hornby, a former governor who was instrumental in initiating the Hornby Vellard project which bunded the breach at Mahalaxmi, lived here for a few years of his term in office. It also served as the Admiralty House, residence of the Commander-in-chief of the Indian Fleet from 1770–1795. It was the residence of the Admiral between 1764 and 1792.

A view of the Great Western Building, Mumbai

Lachlan Macquarie, who was later the Governor of New South Wales (1810-1821), lived at Admiralty House. He records in his journal for 23 April 1794 that – Mr. Tasker having been so obliging to give us a friendly invitation to live in his town house (Admiralty House), during the hot weather and while he should remain in the country, (where he lives at present) we accepted of his offer. Around 1800, it was purchased by the Government and transformed into The Recorders Court. This remained the chief court of Bombay until 1879, when the court was moved to its present building as Bombay High Court. The original porch was removed when the street was widened. The property was purchased by Rustomjee Jeejeebhoy and then sold to the Sassoon family.

A plaque at the building, mentioning significant events in the history of the building.

In 1883, it was sold again and converted into a hotel known as the Great Western Hotel. A new five-storied wing was added in the early 1890s. It was designed by renowned architect S. M. N. Chandabhoy who also designed another smaller three-storied building in the later 1890s.

In time, the hotel closed and the rooms have been divided and further subdivided for optimum rental.