Commercial premises, 88 Rokeby Road, Subiaco

Parent Place or Precinct

26003 Rokeby Road & Hay St Conservation Area

Physical Description

88 Rokeby Road was designed with accommodation for one shop with residential quarters at first floor level.
A 1955 view along the footpath (from the south) shows the main roof form as is, with a west-facing gablet to the hipped roof. This remains as one of the only buildings in the Heritage Area where the roof form is not concealed by a parapet, and still retains traditional battened eaves.
The 1955 photograph also provides clear evidence that a verandah/balcony originally extended across the front of the building and returned along the southern side (presumably with a door providing access onto the side section). The balcony had a raked roof, with timber balusters to a triangular panel at the northern end. It also featured timber posts; a balustrade of slender, square timber balusters; and decorative, carved timber brackets. Matching brackets were used for the verandah below.
The walls are now fully rendered but, based on other similar buildings of the era, may have originally been face-brick with rendered detailing. Other than the roof form, surviving evidence of the original design includes two double-hung, timber-framed windows to the main first floor façade.
At ground floor level the shopfront has been fully replaced, and the footpath is now shaded by a suspended boxed awning.

History

The two storey shop and residence on this site was constructed for Frederick Theophilus Daniel during the first half of 1913:
Tenders are invited for the ERECTION of TWO-STOREY RESIDENTIAL and BUSINESS PREMISES in Rokeby-road, Subiaco, for F.T. Daniel, esq. Particulars obtainable at my office. J. L. OCHILTREE, A.R.V.I.A., Architect
In 1919/1920 Daniel built an additional 2 shops and a billiards saloon on the adjacent lot to the north (Lot 14) and he retained ownership of 84-88 Rokeby Road until his death in 1935:
VALUABLE SHOP PROPERTY.
Nos. 84, 84a. 86 and 88 ROKEBY-ROAD, AND No. 236 CHURCHILL-AVE., Subiaco.
ROBERTSON BROS., LTD., have been instructed by the West Australian Trustee, Executor and Agency Co., Ltd., Executor of the Will of F.T. Daniel, deceased, to SELL Lot 14 and part of Lot 15 and Lot 17 of Perth Sub. Lot 204, having a frontage of 49ft 11in. to Rokeby-road, by a depth of 103ft, and a frontage also to Churchill-avenue of 33ft by a depth of 116ft 6in. to r.o.w.
On the Rokeby-road frontage is erected a substantial brick building containing two shops and billiard saloon, also a large two-storeyed brick shop and dwelling of four rooms, kitchen, laundry, bathroom, and conveniences; electric light and sewerage system installed.
The Churchill-avenue frontage has a brick and iron building about 33ft by S5ft, built as a garage, with ample room for extension.
This property, which has just been thoroughly renovated, is splendidly situated between the Commercial Bank and Subiaco Hotel, in the centre of the business area.
Over time, some of the occupants of 88 Rokeby Road have included:
 1913-1919: Frederick Theophilus Daniel, house & land agent
A building society named the ‘Subiaco Starr-Bowkett Society No 1’ was associated with the real estate agencies at this site until at least the mid 1920s.
 1920 & 1925: Truscott Bros, estate agent
 1930, 1935, 1940 & 1945: Albert Truscott, estate agent
 1949 until at least the mid 1950s: Leslie John Wearne, estate agent
 2012: Buddha Bar, curry house
 2022: Shop for lease
84-88 Rokeby Road was once again offered for sale in August 1950:
Four properties. Nos.84, 84a, 86 and 88 Rokeby-road, Subiaco, offered for auction in one lot yesterday, were passed in when the bidding, which closed at £4,375, failed to reach the reserve price. Following the sale negotiations were entered into for a private sale.
The properties comprise two lock-up shops, a billiard saloon and a two-storey building containing a shop or office, three living rooms, a kitchen, balcony and general appointments. The total rentals were said by the auctioneer, Mr. P. C. Kerr, to amount to £334/10 annually.

Integrity/Authenticity

The form of the upper facade has a high level of authenticity.
The shopfront and awning have a low level of authenticity.

Condition

The main facade appears to be generally in fair-good condition commensurate with the age of the building (based on streetscape inspection only).

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.