DUPLEX, 30 LITTLE HOWARD STREET

Statement of Significance

Duplex, 28 & 30 Little Howard Street is a single storey limestone, brick and iron duplex pair dating from c1903. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical building stock located within the residential areas of Fremantle. It is historically significant as a representation of typical workers' houses in the Fremantle area. The place is a simple example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

Duplex, 28 & 30 Little Howard Street is a single storey limestone, brick and iron duplex pair with a symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are limestone with brick quoins. The roof is hipped with a dividing parapet wall and clad with corrugated iron. The original brick corbelled chimneys are intact. The front facade to each duplex half has a front door with fanlight and a double hung sash window. The front verandahs are under a separate corrugated iron roof. Both verandah roofs are supported by square timber posts. There is a timber picket to the edge of the verandah which sits on the front boundary line.

History

The street was formerly known as Old Cemetery Road, and a continuation of Howard Street, which was named after Lord Edward Howard, grandson of Lord John Russell, British Prime Minister 1842.
Duplex 28-30 was formerly 40-42 Little Howard Street; the numbering changed in 1935/36.
From the available information this duplex was constructed in 1903 for the owner James Porter. It is possible the duplex was constructed in 1901 as a cottage is recorded as existing on this lot. The records for 1901 to 1903 indicate that only one cottage and one occupant were present compared to the records from 1903 onwards which show the two cottages and two occupants. James Porter was the owner throughout this period.
The first occupant of the cottages was Mrs McNan and the other was vacant. The records do not identify which cottage was occupied. In 1903/04, the property was transferred to Irene Clark and 28 Little Howard Street was occupied by Hans Plusckie, a barman.
The property was transferred to Irene Gordon in 1907 and she retained the place until c.1974. Irene Clark and Irene Gordon may have been the same person but further research is needed to confirm this.
The 1908 sewerage plan of the site shows this brick duplex is replicated in the adjacent properties, which are now 24/26 and 28/30 Little Howard Street. It is probable they were built at the same time. The terraces have front verandahs across the full width of the front façade. On the back property boundary is a brick closet and another small structure.
Later owners of 28 Little Howard Street were Lynette and Peter Ferguson; and William O’Brien,
A photograph of the duplex in 1979 shows that the building was in good condition. The stone walls with brick quoins were in good condition and the corrugated iron roof and verandah roof were in good condition. The façade of 30 Little Howard Street, facing Brennan Street features three sash windows and was also in good condition. The front verandah had a timber floor and the timber structure appears to be original or an original simple design.
This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Red: "Significantly contributing to the unique character of Fremantle")
Prior to 1995 the place had undergone renovations and additions including a new kitchen and bathroom. The front facade verandah was substantially unchanged except for new timber railings around the verandah.

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.