Shops

Statement of Significance

Shops at No. 515 Beaufort Street, located opposite Queens Tavern, have been an integral part of the Beaufort Street retail strip for almost a century. Constructed as fine examples of the Federation Free Classical style, subsequently adapted with fine Art Deco shop fronts, the place with its standard cantilever verandah of the 1950s and 1960s, demonstrates the changing nature and fortunes of the Beaufort Street retail strip.

Physical Description

Pair of single storey attached shops which were constructed with central pediments having moulded rose motifs. The original verandah and posts have been replaced with a cantilevered awning. Art Deco shopfronts demonstrate that the shop fronts were modified in the 1930's. Zero setbacks in line with context of the retail strip. Shopfronts, verandah canopies.

History

Part of Perth Suburban lots 147 - 149 were acquired by Dr Judah Hora, and then by sub-inspector of Police, Thomas Rowe, who subdivided the land. The subdivision was bordered by Beaufort, Harold, Striling and Linson Streets. These shops are erected on a site which forms part of the Highgate Hill subdivision, which initially took place in the 1870's and one of the first subdivsions in Perth. However, development was slow initially and access to the area was poor. Although Harry Prately ran a hansom cab service in the area in the 1880's, even by 1891 the bitemun only reached a little beyond St Albans's. The shops at Nos. 515-517 Beaufort Street are part of a group of retail premises on the corner of Beaufort and Mary Streets, opposite the Queen's Tavern. They were built between 1903 and 1904. In 1903, No. 515 is listed as a house occupied by patent agent Richard Sparrow. The following year the entry is revised to read two shops, both owned by Sparrow. In the same year, the shops on the adjoining land, numbered 507-513 Beaufort Street on the corner of Mary Street, were built for Ethel Johnston. Walter Wadston, fruiter, occupied both premises at Nos. 515-517 until 1908, when Mrs Dhu occupied No. 517. In 1932, No. 515 was a fancy goods store run by Don McKay, while picture framer Bernard Roffman occupied No 517. In 1949 it was occupied by Miss Jean Quinn who ran a mixed business and in 2007 it was the Mykonos Greek restaurant.

Integrity/Authenticity

Mostly intact or redeemable

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.