COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 4-16 ADELAIDE STREET

Statement of Significance

The place is of historic significance as an example of a commercial building in the Fremantle Town Centre dating from the early decades of the twentieth century. The place is a fine example of a Federation Free Classical style building, with elaborate stucco decoration above the ground floor level, that makes a significant contribution to the streetscape. The place is of social significance as evidenced by its classification by the National Trust. Awning and shop fronts are not significant.

Physical Description

Two storey rendered masonry building, with a zero setback from the pavement. There is a highly decorative parapet with engaged low balustrades and pilasters. The highly decorative first floor façade features engaged Corinthian pilasters, flanking large multi paned timber windows and arched multi mullioned transoms lights with arched stucco reveals, with keystones above and engaged balustrades below. There is a veranda awning with metal brackets and timber board lining (probably not original).

History

Adelaide St is one of the earliest streets of Fremantle, appearing in the 1833 survey. It is named for Queen Adelaide, consort of William IV.
Lot 330 originally held a store/dwelling owned by Doonan family from c1890-1909, then Cook family, 1909-1913, followed by purchase of lot by Wright and Bradshaw in 1913.
The 'Woolworth's Building' was built c1908 by J McNeece Architect with builder J. J. Ashman. Ceilings by Wunderlich (pressed metal). The building was Bradshaw's from 1914-1931, a drapers, clothiers and house furnishers. Woolworths from 1931, and various other shops have occupied building. On 12/10/1977 a steel fire escape was installed at rear by Oldham Boas Ednie-Brown & partners. In 1980 the building was bought by Perth Building Society (PBS). In 1984 internal alterations and façade treatment costing $630, 000 were carried out. Later (1988) Challenge Bank.
At 2002, various retail and commercial outlets.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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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.