Stella Maris Seafarers Club

Statement of Significance

Stella Maris Centre, 12 Queen Victoria Street, a two storey stone and tile building, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
the place is a very fine example of a Federation Romanesque style building in the Fremantle area;
The place is an integral part of the Catholic Church group of buildings, including St Patrick’s Basilica and school; and
the place has social significance with associations with the Stella Maris Club since 1947 which has provided care both aboard ship and at the Centre, for the spiritual and material welfare of seafarers of any denomination during their visit to the Fremantle or Kwinana Ports.

Physical Description

The Stella Maris Centre, 12 Queen Victoria Street is a two storey stone and tile building constructed in the Federation Romanesque style of architecture. The building displays key features of the Federation Romanesque style including the use of rock faced stone, strongly modeled semicircular openings, towers with pyramidal roofs, arched arcade, grouped semi circular headed windows, strong modeling of load bearing walls and bold details and textures. This style of architecture was predominantly used for commercial and ecclesiastical buildings.

A Heritage Assessment was prepared in June 2009 by Carrick + Wills Architects for a DA submission to Council (DA198/09) for retrospective approval of the painting of the stonework and quoining.

History

Prior to the construction of the current building as a private residence for a sea captain, Captain William D Jackson, a cottage is recorded on the site built prior to 1880, owned by Captain Jackson. It remained in the family until after 1900.

From 1905-06 the house was the property of George Bland Humble, the principal of the Fremantle Boys' school. The rates records show the building as two dwellings; nos 15 & 17.

Opened 1947 as a Seamen's Institute, the Stella Maris Centre provided care, both aboard ship and at the Centre, for spiritual and material welfare of seafarers of any denomination during their visit to Fremantle or Kwinana Ports.

This place was included on the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80.

This place received a Fremantle Award in 1984.

In 2009 the building contains the Stella Maris Seafarers’ Centre.

A Heritage Assessment was prepared in June 2009 by Carrick + Wills Architects for a DA submission to Council (DA198/09) for retrospective approval of the painting of the stonework and quoining.

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.