The history of the building dates back to 1897 when the Victoria Institute and Industrial School for the Blind was developed as part of the celebrations for the 60th year of Queen Victoria's reign. The institute originally consisted of a complex of buildings which included a factory, workshops and residential facilities. The Federation Warehouse style of architecture, characterised by its hipped galvanized iron roof and protruding brick piers and plinths, can still be seen on the Sixth Avenue side of the building. The institute was officially opened in 1900 and was the only purpose designed and built centre of its kind in Western Australia.