DUPLEX, 7 COMMERCIAL ROAD

Statement of Significance

Duplex, 5 - 7 Commercial Road is a typical weatherboard and iron single storey duplex pair dating from 1898. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical building stock located within the residential areas of South Fremantle. It is historically significant as a representation of typical workers' houses in the South Fremantle area.

Physical Description

Duplex, 5 - 7 Commercial Road is an attached duplex pair of single storey weatherboard and iron cottages. Roofs are gabled corrugated iron with the gable ends facing the street. Each gable end has decorative timber finials. Verandahs are under separate corrugated iron bullnose roofs spanning the front of both cottages and is supported by turned timber posts. The walls are painted weatherboard. Each terrace house has a single front door and a timber window to the front elevation. The cottages are a single room and entry/passage width.
There are small gardens to the front of each terrace house and a rendered masonry and timber picket fence to the front boundary.
as a mirror pair, centrally located on the lot. Each of the weatherboard cottages had a full length front verandah and weatherboard and galvanised iron additions to the rear.

History

Following subdivision of the area by Davies, Chamberlain and Wray c. 1895, Sub Part Lot 40 of Town Lot 14/15 (later 5 Commercial Road) remained vacant until 1898 when a cottage of three rooms was built for Sarah Wilson. Her husband, Frances, a saddler, was recorded as the first occupant.
In 1895, Sub Lot 40P of Town Lot 14/15 (7 Commercial Road) was vacant land owned by Davies, Chamberlain and Wray. They subdivided the land and by 1900, two cottages had been built on the lot. A three roomed cottage was owned by Hugh Crawley and the other by Sarah Jane Wilson.
In 1902/03, only one cottage is recorded as being on the property, at which time it was owned by C Moore. Tenant Frederick Ridley had to move out for the new owner. A plan dated 1908 shows the cottage as being weatherboard.
By 1905/06, ownership had changed to Charlotte Goodes and Robert Weir. By 1914/15, Charlotte owned the duplex pair and lived in one (then 19 Commercial Road); George Mellor lived in the other (21 Commercial Road). Charlotte retained ownership until the mid-1930s.
In 1934/35, William Rogers was recorded as the owner of the property. In this year, the house number changed from 21 Commercial Road to No. 7. In 1944/45, he was recorded as the only occupant, suggesting that the duplex was converted to a single residence in the intervening period.
A diagram dated 1954 shows the two duplexes at 5 and 7 Commercial Road as a mirror pair, centrally located on the lot. Each of the weatherboard cottages had a full length front verandah and weatherboard and galvanised iron additions to the rear.
The property has had a number of owners since the early 1950s, including Charles Taylor (1949/50); Peter Stevanovich (1952-56); Pera Stevanovich (1964-c. 1970) and Ken Rnich (c. 1970-c. 1985). During this time, it was used as both a private residence and a rental property.
This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Brown: "Positively contributing to the built environment") It was also included in the "Heritage Study South Fremantle", prepared by John Taylor Architects, for the City of Fremantle, June 1993.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium degree of integrity (original intent partially clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
Medium degree of authenticity with some original fabric remaining.
(These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (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.