Founded in 1884 as Keogh & Allard Pty Ltd, the company’s roots run deep in Melbourne’s business community. The story of Allard Shelton is one of foresight, partnerships, and adaptability - qualities that have allowed it to thrive for nearly a century and a half in the commercial real estate sector.

The company’s journey truly began to take shape in 1912 when Mr. Gordon Allard formed a partnership with Mr. Arthur Baillieu. This collaboration lasted until 1934 when Gordon Allard, demonstrating the entrepreneurial spirit that would become a hallmark of the company, established his own firm: Gordon Allard & Co.

A new chapter began in 1976 when Mr. Bill Shelton joined forces with Jim Allard, Gordon’s son. This partnership ushered in a fresh era for the company, which was rebranded as Allard Shelton Pty Ltd - the name it proudly bears today. Bill Shelton, reflecting on this pivotal moment, shares: “Joining forces with Jim Allard was a defining moment for both of us. We saw an opportunity to build on the strong foundation laid by Gordon and create something truly special in Melbourne’s commercial real estate landscape.”

Shelton recalls a particularly memorable deal from those early days: “I remember closing our first million-dollar transaction. It was for a property on Collins Street, and we celebrated by sharing a bottle of champagne on the building’s rooftop. Looking out over the city, we knew we were part of something big.”

The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw Allard Shelton continue to evolve and strengthen its position in the commercial real estate market. In 1992, Mr. Patrick Barnes joined the firm, expanding its property management portfolio and reinforcing its presence in Melbourne’s CBD and inner-city areas.

Pat Barnes recalls the exciting times of expansion: “When I came on board, I saw immense potential in Allard Shelton’s commercial property management arm. Our goal was to not just grow, but to set new standards in how we served our clients in the CBD and inner city.”

The new millennium brought further growth and expertise to the company’s leadership. In 2008, Mr. Joseph Walton became the eighth Director in the company’s long history, bringing his strengths in commercial sales and leasing.

Joseph Walton speaks about his vision for the company. “Joining Allard Shelton was about continuing a legacy of excellence while pushing boundaries in commercial sales and leasing. Our focus has always been on adapting to market changes while maintaining the core values that have defined us for over a century.”

Walton shares an anecdote that exemplifies this adaptability. “During the 2008 financial crisis, we had to completely rethink our approach; with enormous pressure on the CBD market, we identified a great opportunity to expand our CBD asset management footprint through asset acquisition services for clients”.

“This proved to be a good move which saw our office make key acquisitions for existing clients which delivered financial returns beyond expectations and took us from being a traditional estate agency to a commercial estate agency practice with genuine advisory capabilities”.

Allard Shelton stands proud with over 140 years of success in commercial real estate. The company’s longevity is a testament to its commitment to sound professional advice, independence, and reliability - principles that have guided it since its inception.

As Allard Shelton celebrates this significant milestone, it not only looks back on its rich history but also forward to a future where it continues to shape Melbourne’s commercial real estate landscape. With a legacy spanning three centuries, Allard Shelton remains a beacon of excellence and a trusted name in Victorian commercial real estate.

Joseph Walton, reflecting on the company’s 140th anniversary, adds: “What sets Allard Shelton apart is our ability to honour our past while continuously innovating for the future. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re not just looking back with pride, but forward with excitement for what the next century holds for us and for Melbourne’s commercial real estate market.”

“One of the things I absolutely love about Allard Shelton is the nature of our multigenerational relationships with clients. So many of those I deal with today are direct descendants of client families established by Bill Shelton, Jim Allard and Gordon Allard throughout the firms very long history of doing business in the city of Melbourne. I am immensely grateful that the strong legacy of past leadership continues to live on today and hope that one day I can leave something just as meaningful behind”.