Commercial Building

Statement of Significance

The commercial premises at No. 150-154 Oxford Street are a substantial commercial/residential building in the Federation Italianate style that demonstrates an inner urban form of residential activity no longer practiced. It is a landmark on the prominent Oxford/Vincent Street corner and contributes to the streetscape character of the town centre.

Physical Description

Two storey building surmounted with an ornate parapet which features stucco balusters, pediments and ball finials. The date '1904' is inscribed in the pediment facing Oxford Street. The building is truncated at the corner, with a doorway at street level and a window at the upper level within this corner. Horizontal stripes in the render on the ground floor are evidence of remodeling during the 1930's. The original verandah has been replaced. Nil setbacks to both streets. The brickwork has been painted and the ground floor façade and shop fronts have been modified.Original verandah replaced with cantilevered awning.

History

The commercial building on the corner of Oxford and Vincent Street was constructed in 1904, on a prominent corner directly opposite the former Leederville Post Office. It comprised three shops with residences above. It was not shown on the early PWD plans for this area as these were drawn in 1897. No street numbers were listed in Wise's Post Office Directories until 1910 but in 1909 it appears that they might have been occupied by Mrs A.J. Gardiner (boot dealer) and Francis Robinson (green grocer). In 1910 the numbers were listed but they were not the same as today, and were possibly No. 56 and No. 58. In 1912 No. 60 was listed for the first time. In that year the storekeepers were Archibald Chishol bootmaker at No. 56, John McNeil confectioner at No. 58 and Deverell & Sons cabinet makers at No. 60. For the latter business the names listed were Charles, Francis and Lewis Deverell. In 1915, the shops were still occupied by cabinet makers Deverell & Sons, confectioner John McNeil and chemist Edward Baker. The shops were numbered 136-140 Oxford Street at this time and in 1917 they were changed to those of today. At that time No. 150 was John C. Kay electrician, No. 152 was still John McNeil but Louis H. Wishart was also listed at this address, however was not given an occupation, and Mrs P. Barlow was the storekeeper at No. 154. In 1925 the tenants were W.A Cornwall a cycle agent at No. 150, Edwin Moller of Spot Lager saloon at No. 152 and Frederick Iverson store keeper. The original verandah was replaced and the ground level shop fronts were remodeled in the 1930s. During this time, the occupants were E.R. Stenhouse (furnishers), James Jackson (fruiterer) and Mrs K.H. Pope (mixed business). In 1949, the last year of the Directories, the places were occupied by R & M Sullivan toy dealers and specialty goods at No. 150, Skevington & Burgess drapers and mercers at No. 152 and Mrs Grace Risdon furniture dealer at No. 154. In 2002, the place was occupied by the Flight Centre travel agency and the Hawker's Hut restaurant, that latter having occupied the premises for many years. In 2005 the Hawkers Hutt was converted to operate as a Gloria Jean's Coffee and Gelare ice cream franchise.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate

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.