Commercial Building

Statement of Significance

Commercial Building, 538-540 Hay Street has historic significance as an example of a commercial building constructed during the period of economic affluence and increased development that followed the gold boom.
It has aesthetic significance as a Federation Free Classical style building and makes a positive contribution to the streetscape.
It represents the expansion and development of commerce and trade in the City of Perth.

Physical Description

Two storey commercial building featuring battlements, parapet and pediments with decorative circular vents; stucco work. Modifications to shop fronts awning replaces original verandah.

History

Until the 1880s the Perth 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 from Victoria to WA. This migration included businessmen, architects and builders, all of whom had a considerable influence on the development of the city. Hay Street was established, along with St. Georges Terrace and Murray Street, as one of the main streets of Perth from the time of colonisation in 1829. It remained a major commercial street throughout the twentieth century and for most of that time was characterised by traffic, including trams. The character of the street changed after the section between William and Barrack Streets became a mall in the 1970s. The building was first listed in the post office directory in 1899 and called Davilak Chambers. It was originally No. 322-326. Numbering changed in 1908 to 534-536 (and 538 upstairs) and 540 (the corner tenancy of Pier Street). In 1899 Davilak Chambers was occupied by Stein and Co, stationers; William Broadhurst, tobacconist; Crown Law Offices (Hon. Richard Pennefather MLC) and Konigstein & CO, importers.
In 1930, Davilak Chambers hosts several different businesses, including a debt collector, cleaning company, tailor, café and more. By 1949 the directory shows that Davilak Chambers is No. 538 and only refer to the upstairs tenancies. At this time No. 534 was The Thistle, refreshment rooms; No. 536 Luckey White Horse lottery agents; and No. 540 was Deague and Co, electrical engineers and contractors.
At 2022, the ground floor houses a Barber Shop and the corner is a café. Upstairs is legal offices.

Integrity/Authenticity

High integrity.
High authenticity. Has lost original detail at ground floor level but intact above.

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.