Sydney's flirtation with city living created Australia's first precinct of apartment buildings, built in and near Macquarie Street after 1900.

The precinct reached its social and architectural pinnacle in 1923, with the completion of The Astor in Macquarie Street.

The Astor was declared open by Sir George Fuller, premier of NSW, as The Sydney Morning Herald reported on October 1923: "The opening ceremony took place on the roof garden, commanding a magnificent view of the harbour, the Botanic Gardens, and the city. The statement that the roof is on a level with Killara affords an idea of the towering height of the building, which has been erected in Renaissance style, and has 13 floors and a basement, with four homes on each floor."

Despite the continuing apartment debate, The Astor inspired admiration and envy from the start. Apart from its size and prominent location, the social eminence of The Astor's residents ensured a high profile. In 1923 these included the philanthropist Eadith Walker and the entertainment impresario Hugh D. McIntosh, owner of the Sydney Stadium and the Tivoli theatre chain.

Another original resident was John O'Brien, grazier turned city property developer, responsible for The Astor's construction. The Astor has since been home to many of Sydney's best-known citizens, including several of artistic note such as Portia Geach and Barry Humphries.