Hostel Milligan, Perth

Statement of Significance

It is rare for a building of this form to exist in the city today.
The later additions demonstrate the expansion of metropolitan Perth during the 1930s.The place is associated with Joseph Clarkson who made his fortune in the pearling industry.
The 1930s additions create a distinct Art Deco precinct.
The place was ideally located to take advantage of Perth's emerging public transport system.

Physical Description

Pearl Villa is a two-storey face brick and iron building in the Victorian Regency style that was constructed in 1887 by Joseph Clarkson. It was used as private residential rental premises until 1930, when the two-storey Hostel Milligan was constructed to the two street frontages. Two storey commercial building in the Art Deco style, with truncated corner addressing the intersection of Murray and Milligan Streets. Simple detail with parapet, rectangular windows, vertical emphasis with pilasters extending above the parapet. Loss of original detail at street level. Awning not original.

History

By 1852 Milligan Street had been surveyed and sold. Joseph Clarkson bought part of the property in 1886. The Gold Boom in the 1880s resulted in an increased population and development in Perth. At this time the were some large houses in the area, but mainly small cottages and vacant land. Pearl Villa, a two-storey brick house, was constructed in 1887.The ownership changed in 1889 with J S Christie noted as the resident, with Clarkson remaining as the owner until his death in 1890. The Christie family lived at the property for twenty years. In 1911 Otto Hermann was listed as the resident until 1913. In 1930 plans were drawn for a new building with shops on the ground floor and accommodation on the first floor, also incorporating Pearl Villa into a hostel. The hostel was an alternative to boarding houses and was a reasonably priced alternative to flats that were already built in Perth. The popularity of affordable flats continued into the 1940s. The hostel continued operating into 2010s with many long-term residents.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity.
Medium level of authenticity as it has lost original detail at ground floor level but intact above.

Condition

Fair

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.