Commercial Building, Nedlands

Statement of Significance

A well preserved and maintained and rare example of Art Deco commercial premises, particu larly remarkable for its decorative elements and its landmark value as part of a streetscape next to the Windsor Theatre also in the Art Deco style. Itis representative of the characteristics of the modern style of architecture of the 1930s.
• This structure if a fine example of Art Deco architecture with high aesthetic appeal.

• It is of historical significance representing an era in Western Australian commercial development.

• A rare example of a style which is of cultural heritage value.

• Representative of a style reflecting modem architecture of the 1920s and 1930s.

• It has importance streetscape value being next to the Windsor Theatre also in the Art Deco style. Along with a few other buildings in Stirling Highway, such as the Sol Cafe and Nedlands Post Office, the bui ldings reinforce an inter-war theme in the streetscape.

• It is in a well preserved condition in its original state with no alterations to the structure.

Physical Description

The building is constructed of dark beige colour washed rendered brick with metal windows and linear fenestration. The two storey commercial building has a number of decorative elements applied to the basic structure, these decorations being picked out in green in contrast to the beige background, on the curved awning and vertically at the central point of the curved facade, and small circles in sets of three over the upper windows. It has a number of exterior characteristics which justify its Art Deco classification - a symmetrical massing of simple geometric shapes, contrasting horizontal and vertical motifs, large area of glass, clean lines, roof concealed behind a parapet, cantilevered hood and curved facade.

History

Assessment 2000
Construction 1939
Alterations/additions 1990's
The shop which now houses the Persian Carpet Gallery was designed by the architect, W.
T. Leighton, who was a prominent architect in the inter-war period and who is also considered to be responsible for the design of the Windsor Theatre next to the Persian Carpet Gallery. Mr. Sam Bahri owned the premises for at least 16 years before it was bought by the present owner, Mr. Peter Faeghi. This building was thought to be representative enough to be one of those inspected by overseas visitors to the World Congress on Art Deco in 1993.

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.