HOUSE, 88 WRAY AVENUE

Statement of Significance

House, 88 Wray Avenue, is a typical limestone, brick and iron single storey house dating from c.1899. 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

House, 88 Wray Avenue is a single storey, limestone, brick and iron house with a symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are limestone with red brick quoins. The roof is hipped and clad with corrugated iron. The façade is symmetrical with a central front door and double hung sash windows. The verandah has a separate corrugated iron roof supported on timber posts. The house is set below the street level with a large garden area in front. There is a limestone and steel fence to the front boundary line.
This place contains a limestone feature.

History

Wray Avenue was originally Hampton Street. The named was changed to avoid confusion with the intersecting Hampton Road. It became Alexander Road, after Laurence Alexander, Mayor 1901-1902, and a representative of Falk & Co. The street name was again changed to avoid confusion with Alexandra Road in East Fremantle, and became Wray Avenue in 1923. It was named for William E Wray, at one time with the Education Dept as Truant Inspector, and a resident of the street. He was on the Fremantle Tramways Board and Mayor of Fremantle, 1914-1918.
This house was formerly numbered 110; renumbering occurred in 1930/31.
The Post Office Directories first refer to this house by number in 1899 and the occupant was Edward Newman. It may have been present on the site prior to this date but the information for previous years does not have street numbering. Further research of the rates books and certificates of title may establish the date of construction and the original owner. Newman occupied the house until at least 1907.
A plan of the site in 1908 shows that this stone house was set well back from the road and a stone wall defined the front boundary. The house was of a simple rectangular form with an ‘L’ shaped verandah on two sides. Across the full width of the rear of the building was a timber addition. In the rear of the lot are a well, a brick closet and a timber shed which may have been stables.
This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Purple: "Of architectural and historic significance in its own right.”)
A photograph of the building at this time shows that most original features were intact although in a deteriorated condition. The roof was corrugated iron and the limestone walls had brick quoins. The verandah roof was of a flat roof design separate to the main roof of the house. A mature pine tree was present in the front yard.
Information from 1985 indicates that the house had been renovated and extended. The extension consisted of four new rooms, one of which used beams from the former Palace Hotel in Perth. Architect Gerard McCann designed the extension.
In 1987, a portion of the rear lot was subdivided and offered for separate sale and included a shed of timber and corrugated iron which is not shown on the 1908 plan but was probably built in the early 20th century. This separate lot had access from Henville Street.
In 2006, application was made to the City of Fremantle for the construction of a rear addition, a shed and carport. The owners at this time were James McAuliffe and Susan Wallwork and architecture firm Ecotecture designed the additions. Approval was supported with some modifications due to the impact on the heritage fabric.

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.