Commercial Building

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic significance as a Federation Warehouse and contributes to the visual quality of the streetscape and the King Street precinct.
It has historic significance as a 1904 commercial building constructed during the period of economic affluence and increased development that followed the gold boom.

Physical Description

Two storey warehouse building addressing the Wellington/King Street corner. The building has simple detailing with double hung sash windows at regular intervals. Early Georgian colonial influence contrasts with the more elaborate facades on King Street buildings. The building incorporates 79 King Street.

History

In 1890 Western Australia achieved responsible government. This, combined with the discovery of gold in the early 1890s, provided the catalyst for development in Perth. King Street was gazetted in 1845 and named after King William IV. Prior to the 1890s the area around King Street was characterised by workers' cottages with shops, coal yards, smithies and foundries located in the adjacent areas of Murray and Hay Street. In the mid 1890s some smaller businesses began to establish themselves in existing cottages and a number of larger enterprises erected substantial new offices and warehouses in the area. Earlier uses primarily served the local population, however this later development was more broadly based and was a direct response to the expansion of the city centre during the gold rush.
The period from the late 1890s to early decades of the twentieth century was characterised by a vigorous public works and corresponding expansion of commerce and trade. During this period, the character of the area around King Street was established.
In the 1990s, King Street underwent a substantial program of restoration and is now characterised by new uses including cafes, boutiques and professional offices.
The two-storey warehouse and store was constructed for Pilmer and Co, (George Stuart Pilmer) produce merchants in c.1904.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium level of integrity.
High level of authenticity as it is largely as originally constructed with detail intact.

Condition

Fair

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.