Office

Parent Place or Precinct

04173 Lawrence Avenue Precinct

Statement of Significance

The place is of aesthetic significance as an example of a residential building dating from period around the turn of the century. The increasing affluence of the community following the gold boom is reflected in the increased use of decoration.
The place is of aesthetic significance because it contributes to the visual quality of its location. The place is of historic significance because it reflects the way of life of the working people of Perth in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.
The place is a representative example of a residential property in West Perth that has undergone a change of use to commercial/professional offices the changing character and growth of the City. The significance of the place is increased because it remains substantially intact.

Physical Description

Single storey terrace with decorative parapet.

History

West Perth developed as suburban residential area in the late 1890s. From its inception it had the characteristics of a quality neighbourhood. Proximity to the city centre and Kings Park (then known as Perth Park), and the elevated location provided healthy site drainage as well as cooling breezes and views over the city and hills. The area had social status already associated with addresses in nearby Mount Street and access to the city's piped water system.
The area was subdivided into large residential lots for development and proceed accordingly. The homes built in West Perth from the early 1900s included prestigious mansions built in prominent locations and smaller working class cottages in the narrower back streets and towards the northern end of the area adjacent to the railway.
Lawrence Avenue was originally called Colin Place and then Colin Crescent. The 1897 Perth Town Plan shows no houses on this road at the time. There was also no Prowse Street and this general area was not developed with housing. The Post Office Directory shows Colin Place being named in 1898. Prowse Street was originally called Colin Crescent and for a time Colin Place was deemed part of Colin Crescent. A row of four pairs of identical brick semi-detached houses was built in 1900. The numbers were at first simply 1-8. Then numbers changed and Colin Place was also called Colin Crescent at times.
No. 6-8 was earlier No. 12-14. Numbering became the current formation in 1908.The Metropolitan Water Supply Survey plan dated 1916 shows a row of four pairs of identical brick semi-detached houses with full length front verandahs, and attached galvanised iron laundry, bathroom and toilets extending from the rear of the house to the rear boundary fence. The properties backed onto Mallabones, a leather goods manufacturer, established 1898 in Perth.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity.
High level of authenticity.

Condition

Good

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.