Commercial Bank (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The place makes a valued contribution to the visual character of this important streetscape in its verandah cover over the pavement and its decorative parapet. The building contributes to the masonry 'wall' of Burt Street. The site is representative of retailing at the turn-of-the-century and is significant for its form and continuity of use.

Physical Description

A single-storey building built to the building line of Burt Street.

The feature of the exterior of the building is the rendered pedimented parapets.

Typical features that characterise the building's period are the recessed entrance with large display window on each side with timber panelled stall boards below and highlight windows, and the verandah that extends across the facades and over the pavement.

Archways feature internally in the party walls.

History

46-48 Burt Street was the location of the first Commercial Bank which was opened before completion with its windows fitted with galvanised iron instead of glass (Boulder's Hidden Secrets, 1993).

Saxon Lee Chemist came here from Piesse Street (as many did when the trams were introduced to Burt Street). The adjoining Lot 53 was where the Montgomery Brothers, formerly of Piesse Street, with shops throughout the Goldfields and Fremantle, moved here in 1911 (Boulder's Hidden Secrets, 1993).

The Insurance Plans for Boulder c. 1900 illustrate that Lot 54 had four shops all constructed of brick, including Torpey Tailor, Simpson Fancy Goods (two premises) and Hahn Jeweller. There was also a verandah that extended across the building facades and over the pavement, and four iron outbuildings and one brick outbuilding at the rear.

General Comments: During the 1890s and particularly in the early 1900s, Boulder's population swelled by a steady influx of men seeking employment in the goldfields and somewhere to settle. This increase in population had a great influence on the town's growth. It necessitated the survey of more town and suburban lots, increased subsidies for road construction and numerous buildings were constructed.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate
Authenticity: High

Condition

Good

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.