Commercial Building

Statement of Significance

The place built in 1902/03 is of aesthetic significance as a Federation Free Classical style constructed during the period of economic affluence and increased development that followed the gold boom.
The place is of historic significance because it represents the expansion and development of commerce and trade in the City of Perth in the early years of the twentieth century.

Physical Description

Two storey commercial building with battlement parapet and a triangular pediment; rustication to pilasters; prominent, classical cornice and stucco decoration. Altered at street level.

History

Until the 1880s the town centre was characterised by the establishment of small cottages, shops and small businesses and was rural in character. The expansion of commerce following the discovery of gold in the 1890s put pressure on land in the centre of Perth with the result that most residential uses were displaced in favour of commercial development. During the 1890s and early 1900s the centre of Perth was substantially rebuilt. The period of expansion in Perth coincided with a period of economic depression in the eastern states, in particular Victoria. As a result, there was substantial migration to WA which included businessmen, architects and builders, all of whom had a considerable influence on the development of the city. Pier Street was scantly developed in 1895, but by 1900 the street is developed from the river all the way north to Newcastle Street.
The Post Office Directory first lists the building as No. 58-62 in 1903, occupied by Splatt, Wall and Co, electrical engineers. Numbering changed in 1908 to No. 36, still occupied by the same business. The Metropolitan Water Supply Survey plan (1943) shows the building as No. 36; a large brick, two-storey building with a cellar. In 1949 the post office directory lists the building as being occupied by the Central Catholic Library, a book shop, upholsterer and an importer.
From the street the place presents as a two-storey commercial building with battlement parapet and a triangular pediment; rustication to pilasters; a prominent, classical cornice and stucco decoration. It has been altered at street level with the two shop fronts not original, but the pressed tin underside of the awning may be original. There are two re-entrant doors accessed from steps at street level. Aerial photos show the roof was replaced in 2009.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - Medium level of integrity.
Authenticity - Intact above ground floor level. Ground floor altered.

Condition

Good

Uses

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.