COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 2 JAMES STREET

Statement of Significance

Commercial Building, 2 James Street, has historic significance as part of a former warehouse associated with the Fremantle Port. It has aesthetic significance for the contribution it makes to the Fremantle Port streetscape.

Physical Description

Commercial Building, 2 James Street is a two storey building in the Federation Warehouse style of architecture. The walls are red face brick and the building has a truncated corner, engaged pilasters and a parapet roof. The Beach Street elevation has double height timber access doors at ground level. There are eight pane timber framed windows to some openings, and replacement windows to others. The James Street elevation has windows across the full length at roof level. The ground slopes upwards, making ground floor windows at pavement level at the far side.

History

Plans from 1898, 1902, 1910, 1914, and 1916 show a large irregularly shaped building set back from the lot boundaries at this corner of James and Beach Streets. A 1908 sewerage plan shows what appears to be the same building as being constructed of stone, apparently a residence, with verandahs along the James and Beach Street elevations and a portion of the east elevation also. It is noted as 106 Beach Street and has front steps in the centre of the Beach Street verandah, and what appears to be rear extensions, outbuildings and/or ablutions at the rear (south).

A 1947 aerial photograph shows a large warehouse-style building on the site and no evidence of the earlier building.
The current owner (2008) has provided the following information: the place was constructed in 1934 by a builder named Totterdell (possible Bill) and the building was modified c1962, including timber floors being replaced with concrete.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium degree of integrity (original intent partially 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 fair (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.