Woods Building

Statement of Significance

The place has historic significance as an example of a commercial building constructed during the period of economic affluence and increased development that followed the gold boom.
It has aesthetic significance as a Federation Free Classical style building and makes a positive contribution to the streetscape.
It represents the expansion and development of commerce and trade in the City of Perth.

Physical Description

Two storey commercial building with battlement parapet and awning over row of shops at street level. The building is substantially intact although the ground level has modern shop fittings. Awning replaces original verandah.

History

Until the 1880s the Perth town centre was characterised by the establishment of small cottages, shops and small businesses and was rural in character. The expansion of commerce following the discovery of gold in the 1890s put pressure on land in the centre of Perth with the result that most residential uses were displaced in favour of commercial development. During the 1890s and early 1900s the centre of Perth was substantially rebuilt. The period of expansion in Perth coincided with a period of economic depression in the eastern states, in particular Victoria. As a result, there was substantial migration from Victoria to WA. This migration included businessmen, architects and builders, all of whom had a considerable influence on the development of the city. Hay Street was established, along with St. Georges Terrace and Murray Street, as one of the main streets of Perth from the time of colonisation in 1829. It remained a major commercial street throughout the twentieth century and for most of that time was characterised by traffic, including trams. The character of the street changed after the section between William and Barrack Streets became a mall in the 1970s.
Wood’s Building on the corner of Hay and Pier Streets was built in the late 1890s. It was originally No. 330-332 and had various tenants over the years. It is not referred to as Wood’s Building in the post office directory until 1927, which suggests it may have had a refurbishment at that time, as the building façade features the name on the corner pediment.
At 2022 the ground floor shopfronts are not original, but the upper level retains its architectural features.

Integrity/Authenticity

High integrity.
Medium authenticity. Has lost original detail at ground floor level but substantially intact above.

Condition

Good

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.