DUPLEX, 2 RUSSELL STREET

Statement of Significance

Duplex 2 & 4 Russell Street, is a typical limestone, brick and iron single storey duplex pair dating from the 1887. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical workers' houses in the Fremantle area. The place is an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

Duplex 2 & 4 Russell Street, is a single storey limestone, brick and iron duplex pair with a symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are limestone and brick quoins. The roof is hipped with a dividing parapet wall and clad with corrugated iron. The front verandah is under a separate corrugated iron bullnose roof supported by square timber posts. There is a rendered masonry and metal wall to the front boundary line. The duplex sits above the street level.

History

This duplex was formerly numbered 50/52 Russell Street, where 2 was 52 and 4 was 50 Russell Street. The renumbering occurred in 1935/36.
This duplex was constructed in 1887 for George Cornish who was a draper. He occupied 4 Russell Street. In 1899, the occupant of 2 Russell Street was Walter W Cook.
The 1908 sewerage plan of this brick duplex shows that the two halves of the duplex were mirror images of each other. Each had verandahs at the front with a galvanised iron ‘L’ shaped addition at the rear. Bathrooms were located within these additions and adjacent to the back of the house was a water tank. In the back yard of each property was a brick closet. A stone retaining wall was shown on the front property boundary with steps to access the front of each house.
This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Red: "Significantly contributing to the unique character of Fremantle")
In 1978, a photograph of the duplex shows that the building was in relatively good and authentic condition. 2 Russell Street had been altered with the addition of brick pillars as verandah supports and the front window had been replaced. The alignment of the front steps was different to the 1908 pan.
In 1995, alterations and additions to the rear of the building were planned and a series of photographs were taken by architects Considine and Griffiths. These photographs show that the duplex was solid structurally and most original features were intact. The interior of 2 Russell Street had received some renovations in the art deco style.
Subsequently the duplex underwent significant renovations and additions. These included additions to the rear and the construction of new bullnosed verandah roof at the front. The front steps were rebuilt to conform to the 1908 plan. The façade is finished in a stone and brick although it is recorded as a brick building in 1908.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining.
(These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This data is provided by the City of Fremantle. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data, the City of Fremantle makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damage) and costs which you might incur as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. Under no circumstances should this data be used to carry out any work without first contacting the City of Fremantle for the appropriate confirmation and approval.