Commercial Building

Parent Place or Precinct

04281 Hay Street Mall Precinct

Statement of Significance

The place has some aesthetic value for the remnant elements of the Late Twentieth Century style on the upper level façade.
The place has historic value for its association with the development of the Hay Street retail precinct throughout the 20th century. The place has social value for the many members of the community for its continuity of function, and contribution to the sense of place of the Hay Street mall.
The place is representative of the type of commercial premises in a retail precinct that have grown and changed as occupancies and standards change.

Physical Description

Two storey building with retail space at ground level. The building is simple in its presentation with its distinctive feature being the terracotta tiled panel in the pediment advertising the building's name. This section is clad with a stone veneer with the remainder of the visible facade being rendered. A large aluminium framed opening is positioned directly below the panel and extends across the majority of the first level facade. The retail unit has an one frontage with removable doors and display windows in the angled side panels.
The internal features of the ground floor have changed over time.

History

From the available information a building was constructed c1895 on this site and the first occupant was George Evans, a tent maker.
The place was occupied by a series of tenants in the early decades of the 20th century. By 1928, the place was occupied by optometrist Mr S. Sainken.
From the 1930s to late 1940s, a long-term tenant and owner were hatters, Grose brothers. The origin of the name 'Optical House' is not established as the occupancy by Sainken in the late 1920s does not appear consistent with the detail of the facade. Advertisements for a receptionist in The West Australian from 1950 refer to Optical House.
In 1967 the current building was constructed by builders Brian and Sons for Elias Ezekiel. The building was the premises for M Ezekiel and Sons optometrists. The upper floor was occupied by Peter Gregory who operated a hairdressing salon.

Integrity/Authenticity

High integrity.
Medium level of authenticity. The place has experienced alteration to the ground level retail frontage and to the awning. The windows have been replaced with aluminium framed opening.

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

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.