Queensland's engine room for the past 45 years was given a fond farewell on Saturday, as it makes way for the Queen's Wharf project.
The Executive Building on George Street has seen nine premiers come and go, experienced a letter bomb explosion and had up to 6000 protesters on its doorstep, but was given a much more peaceful send-off.
Thousands congregated on the red carpet for guided tours, to experience the festivities or just to walk around the historical display in the foyer.
The George Street building will be demolished to make way for the $3 billion Queen's Wharf project, for which construction is due to start in January 2017.
The Executive Building held the first meeting of the Queensland cabinet on the 13th floor on April 27, 1971.
At the time, Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen was in power and since then the building has housed eight other premiers, including the state's first female leader, Anna Bligh.
Its construction contract was worth about $7 million and the 16 storeys were designed to house about 2000 public servants.
Local materials were used throughout the building, including Queensland copper for roofing, guttering and piping as well as local timbers for ground floor panelling, counters and fittings.
It was described as a "symbol of the state's development" and "marked a new era in public service in Queensland" given its luxurious design.
Barry Seeley worked at the Executive Building for 26 years, with his primary role being building and services co-ordinator.
He said it was well-built, had a lot of character and the old building blended with the new features well.
"The main thing I liked about the building was the people who worked here – the public servants and all the visitors that came in," Mr Seeley said.
"We became a complete family over the 26 years and I think that was the unique art of the building.
"Every decision that was made for Queensland was made in this building – it oozed power."
Mr Seeley said visitors to the building over the years included former prime ministers, state governors, sporting personalities, celebrities and international delegates.
He said it was "sad to see it go".
"It's a bit sad for me ... it's become my second home ... but you've got to move with the times," Mr Seeley said.
"To me, the honour was mine [to work here]. It was just an honour to serve all of the premiers, public servants and Queensland."
For the state's public servants, the Executive Building has been replaced by the imposing 1 William Street tower, which was commissioned by one-term premier Campbell Newman.
All public servants who were based in the Executive Building, along with some from other CBD buildings, have moved into the new tower.
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