DUPLEX, 25 WRAY AVENUE

Statement of Significance

Duplex, 25 & 27 Wray Avenue, is a typical brick, rendered brick, tile and iron single storey duplex pair dating from 1900. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical workers' houses in the Fremantle area. The place is an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

25 - 27 Wray Avenue is a single storey, brick, rendered masonry tile and iron duplex pair with a symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. No. 25 has rendered masonry walls and a tiled roof, whilst no. 27 has face brick walls and a corrugated iron roof. The dividing wall is visible through the roof line. The verandah to no 25 has a tiled roof and is supported by pairs of round steel posts. No 27 has a corrugated iron bullnose verandah roof supported by turned timber posts with a decorative cast iron frieze and brackets. The original double hung sash windows remain to no. 27 but have been replaced by casement windows to no. 25. The duplex sits above the street level and there are two sets of concrete steps leading up to the verandah level. No. 25 has a low level brick wall to the front boundary line and no. 27 has a brick pier and iron fence.

History

Wray Avenue was originally Hampton Street. The named was changed to avoid confusion with the intersecting Hampton Road. It became Alexander Road, after Laurence Alexander, Mayor 1901-1902, and a representative of Falk & Co. The street name was again changed to avoid confusion with Alexandra Road in East Fremantle, and became Wray Avenue in 1923. It was named for William E Wray, at one time with the Education Dept as Truant Inspector, and a resident of the street. He was on the Fremantle Tramways Board and Mayor of Fremantle, 1914-1918.
This duplex was formerly numbered 79/81 and this duplex half was 79. It has been suggested from the design features present that the buildings at 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31 have all been designed by architect Norman Hitchcock who was practising in Fremantle in the early part of the 20th century.
This duplex is first recorded in the Post Office Directories in 1904 and the occupant was John Carpenter. Further research of the rates books for this period may establish the exact date of construction and the original owner of the property.
The 1908 sewerage plan of this brick duplex shows that the two halves are symmetrical. Each duplex half has a front and rear verandah and the bathroom is within the main structure of the building close to the back of the house. In the back yard are a timber wood shed and a brick closet. Front steps allow access to the front verandah and they are positioned in the centre of the building perpendicular to the road.
This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Brown: "Positively contributing to the built environment")
A photograph of the duplex in 1980 shows that this duplex was brick and tile. The left hand side was brick with a rendered detail. The other side is rendered and has replacement front window. The verandah posts have been replaced with metal supports and balustrades. The foundations are clad in brick which is a later addition. The verandah is a flat sloping style clad in tiles.
27 Wray Avenue was extensively renovated and extended in the 1980s by the owners Rodney O’Byrne and Jim Mortimer. Their sympathetic renovation included the reinstatement of the front bullnosed verandah in timber and iron with decorative iron work.

Integrity/Authenticity

No. 25 - Medium degree of integrity (original intent partially clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
Medium degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining but with some alterations.
(These statements based on street survey only).

No. 27 - 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.