Private Dwellings (fmr), 14-16 Spencer Street

Statement of Significance

House, 14 Spencer Street, a single storey brick and iron house has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
the place is a fine example of the Federation Queen Anne style of architecture;
the place has landmark qualities and contributes significantly to the streetscape and the community's sense of place.

Physical Description

House, 14 Spencer Street, is a brick and iron house designed as a simple example of the Federation Queen Anne style of Architecture. The walls are painted brick with painted limestone quoining. The roof is hipped and gabled and clad with corrugated iron. The front facade is symmetrical with timbered gable ends over two protruding bay windows which flank either side of the central front door. The verandah is under a separate corrugated iron roof supported by half timber posts atop of rendered masonry piers with a metal balustrade between. To the front of the house is a paved parking area.

History

House, 14 Spencer Street was built c. 1910. The exact date of construction has not been ascertained as an entry for the lot could not be found in the 1899 Rate Book and there are no rate books covering the period 1906 to 1920.

By 1921, there was a house on the lot. At the time, it was owned and occupied by Harry Trenwith, a draper. From the late 1920s until the early 1950s, House, 14 Spencer Street was owned and occupied by Clement Wood, a local newsagent. In 1931, the house was numbered 15 Spencer Street and in 1932, additions were completed to the house at a cost of £150.

In the 1950s, House, 14 Spencer Street and its neighbour at No 16 were acquired by the St John of God Hospital for use as medical rooms. A walkway was built between the two houses to facilitate this use. St John of God vacated the houses when the new South West Health Campus/Regional Hospital was completed.

In 2001, the buildings were vacant and had suffered extensive vandalism by squatters.

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

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.