Observatory House was designed by architects Davies and Rutt for manufacturing optician G. C. Kohler in 1906, after he had taken over the business of scientific instrument maker Otto Boettger. The business continued to operate until 1974, but the building is now used as legal offices.

The attractive tower is built in Queen anne style. It has a quirkiness which enhances the Flinders streetscape.

Observatory House is heritage listed, but there has been talk about developing the adjacent sites.

There is almost no online information about Observatory House.

Adelaide, Then and Now, Adam Lee and Bernard Whimpress (Axiom).