Completed in 1893 for Leah Abrahams, Benvenuta was designed by architect Walter Scott Law in an Italianate Victorian Baroque style.

For the building’s construction, Scott Law imported from Italy both the materials—stained glass and over 15 tons of marble and steel—as well as craftsmen to create the ornate interior.

Mrs Abrahams lived in the mansion until 1925 when Benvenuta was leased to the Commonwealth Government which transformed it into Arbitration Court Offices.

During the 1930s, the mansion was given another life as an Italian Club, complete with ballroom, orchestra and a regular Sunday boxing match.

In 1938 a North Melbourne wine-seller leased Benvenuta for a less reputable purpose. The bullet hole in the stained glass 'Welcome' window at the top of the stairs is presumed to be evidence of the dubious activities taking place at Benvenuta during that time.

The mansion once again changed hands and housed the Italian Consulate until Italy entered the war.

After the war the State Government handed over the use of the mansion and the terraces to the University of Melbourne, renaming it “Drummond Street Hostel”.

In 1953, the University Council took over the management of the Hostel. The first Warden was appointed in 1954, and a year later the hostel became Medley Hall, after a Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, Sir John Dudley Gibbs Medley.

In 1969, the terrace at number 52 was purchased and the following year an extension was added.

Now Medley provides accommodation for 57 students, many coming from rural Victoria, interstate and overseas.