Mt Eliza Apartments

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic and historical significance as a Krantz and Sheldon designed residential apartment building.
It represents the changing character of Mount Street from large mansions to multi-level flats and apartments since the 1950s.
The building is a landmark on the Kings Park skyline for its innovative design.

Physical Description

Circular apartment building with fins protruding from the edge.

History

Mount Street appeared on the first statutory plan of Perth prepared by A. Hillman and signed by Governor John Hunt in 1845, however, it was not established and settled until much later. West Perth developed as suburban residential area in the late 1890s. From its inception it had the characteristics of a quality neighbourhood. Proximity to the city centre and Kings Park (then known as Perth Park), and the elevated location provided healthy site drainage as well as cooling breezes and views over the city and hills. The area had social status associated with addresses in Mount Street and access to the city's piped water system.
Mount Street was characterised by large, often architect designed, mansions. Some of these were converted to flats in the 1950s -1970s, and there were also a number of apartment blocks constructed in this period. Mount Street has always been an extremely prestigious address and has included embassies and homes of prominent families and notable individuals in the context of the history of the city and the state.
Prior to the Mt Eliza Apartments, there was a property which held a street address of 71 Mount Street. For a time in the early 1900s it was called ‘Urella’ and occupied by various people including consuls and members of Parliament. From the 1940s there was also Restormel Flats listed here.
The Metropolitan Water Supply Survey plan dated 1965 shows the footprint of a fifteen storey, circular ‘Mt Eliza Flats’, a unique design by architects Krantz and Sheldon. It is made of reinforced concrete with projecting fins, glazed curtain walls and decorative element to the top. It soon became and still remains a landmark on the horizon of Mt Eliza. It has a colloquial name ‘The Thermos Flask” due to its appearance.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity.
High level of authenticity.

Condition

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.