Wentworth Plaza Hotel

Statement of Significance

The place is a fine example of a commercial building in the Federation Free Classical style, with a stuccoed façade featuring a parapet and classical mouldings.
The place is sited on a prominent corner location along a major thoroughfare in the city. It has significance for its landmark quality.
The place is a component of a commercial block which forms a landmark northern entry to the central business district of Western Australia’s capital city.
The place provides evidence of a period of growth following World War One, which occurred throughout Western Australia as a result of the expansion of the agricultural industry.
The place has associations with Mrs Raine who owned and ran the Hotel Wentworth and whose charitable bequest established the University of Western Australia’s Raine Medical Research Foundation and subsequently Raine Square.
It was the business centre for Mary ‘Ma’ Thomas (later Raine), who owned it and many other properties and ran the hotel from its construction in 1928 until her death in 1960.
The place is associated with a number of architects who designed many prominent buildings in the central Perth Area, including Henry Trigg; William Garnsworthy Bennett; and Hobbs Smith and Forbes.
The place represents the transformation of the city during the Inter-War period when it was built to replace the older Gordon’s Café and Hotel on the site.
The place was particularly popular for social functions during the Inter-War years and went on to provide the shore accommodation for the United States Navy submarine crews during the Second World War.
The place is representative of the consolidation of Perth from a town into a city and the place has been in continual retail and commercial use since construction.

Physical Description

Three storey commercial building with shops at ground floor level. Simple classical detailing to facade which is divided into bays by pilasters. Arched openings to facade are a feature of the building. Decorative parapet concealing the roof. Considerable alteration to the building at ground level. Awning may be original.

History

The 1920's in Perth was characterised by economic prosperity and expansion. There was considerable migration from Britain and Europe encouraged by government sponsored settlement programmes. In the city this was a period of consolidation. There was continued commercial development including the construction of arcades, hotels and commercial buildings. The Wentworth Hotel was constructed in 1928 and replaced buildings including a hotel and shops. Mary Thomas purchased the hotel which was located on the property as well as overseeing the rebuilding of the new hotel. Alterations were made to the building in 1936. Mary ran the hotel with her husband Arnold Raine, who died in 1957, until her death in 1960.The hotel was a popular venue for functions and during World War Two was used for shore leave for the United States Navy submarine crews. Further alterations were made in the 1960s.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low level of integrity.
Medium level of authenticity as it has lost original detail at ground floor level but intact above.

Condition

Very 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.