House, 111 Park St, Subiaco

Parent Place or Precinct

27310 Park Street Heritage Area

Statement of Significance

For information on the significance of the Park Street Heritage Area refer to the Local Planning Policy for the Heritage Area.

Physical Description

Architectural style
The original style of 111 Park Street has been obscured by ornate alterations and additions dating from the late twentieth century. With the exception of the basic design as a single fronted cottage (with an entrance hallway along the western side), and the general form of the full-width gable, the detailing visible from the street almost entirely dates from the above works.

History

Subiaco's population increased significantly in the 1890s due to an economic depression in the eastern states and the discovery of gold in Western Australia. During the 1890s property developers bought large landholdings for subdivision in the Perth metropolitan area. The original subdivisions in Subiaco were generally simple grid pattern developments with small lots suitable for occupancy by working families. However, the more elevated parts of the suburb, particularly towards Kings Park, also attracted business and professional men and some lots were later amalgamated to accommodate their larger homes and gardens. Mixed development occurred and within the Park Street Heritage Area this ranged from narrow, single storey terrace housing through to a large 2-storey house set in spacious grounds. The readily available evidence indicates that the number of houses within this area increased from around 24 in 1901 to 72 in 1906; 86 in 1910; 91 in 1915, 94 in 1920 and 13 by 1925. Development then stabilised, with 106 houses and 1 block of flats identified in 1949.
Perth Suburban Lot 220 was subdivided as Deposited Plan 1552 in 1896 and advertised as the “Parkerville Estate”. This comprised 38 lots with frontages along the eastern side of Townshend Road (between Barker and Bagot Roads), part of the southern side of Barker Road, part of Salisbury Avenue (renamed as part of Park Street in 1901) and part of the northern side of Bagot Road.
An analysis of entries in the Post Office Directories suggests that development did not take place between 93 and 141 Park Street until c.1905. 111 Park Street was first listed in 1908, when the primary occupant was identified as John Gudgeon. John Gudgeon (plasterer) (c.1877-1922) and Ellen May (“Nellie”) Bache (c.1879-1959) were married in Albany in c.1901 and they lived at 111 Park Street in c.1908-1916. The Rate Books confirm that Gudgeon was also the owner of the property during this period.
After the departure of the Gudgeon family, the property had a high turn-over of occupants until at least the mid-twentieth century, which suggests that it was primarily being used as a rental property. A review of the Post Office Directories at 5-yearly intervals (together with reference to contemporary Electoral Rolls) indicates that some of the primary residents included:
 1920: Mrs M J Roche and Miss M A Roche
Members of this family lived here in c.1917-1923. Other than as noted below other occupants typically remained for around 1-4 years.
 1925: James Gregson (butcher)
 1930: Denton Lockyer (mechanic)
In the Rate Books of 1929-1930 the owner was identified as Wilson Snowden. The property was advertised for sale in early 1933.
 1935: Mrs Nellie Tomlinson
 1940s: John Pollock (tramways employee)
The Pollock family lived here in c.1940- early 1950s. During this period, they submitted plans for alterations, which indicates that they were owner/occupiers.
A historical Metropolitan Sewerage Plan (dated 1927, updated 1955) shows a simple rectangular footprint for the main house, with a simple verandah across the front, and a large verandah with an enclosed addition at the rear. The rear yard included a detached brick laundry, toilet and galvanised iron shed.
In 1950 the Council approved plans for alterations to the front of the house. At that time it had a full gable across the main frontage and a bullnose verandah. The proposed alterations involved the reconstruction of the verandah with a raked roof, and with walls along the eastern and western sides and along about ¾ of the main frontage. This appears to have been designed as a sleepout, with louvered windows. The entry remained to the hallway along the eastern side of what was a simple single-fronted cottage.
In 1997, plans were prepared for the construction of a new portico, with a new verandah extending across the main façade and partway along the western side of the house. New works documented in this proposal included the ornate detailing of the current verandah, as well as the decorative gable boards and fretwork panel to the main gable. It also noted that the face of the ‘existing gable’ was to be restored. In the following year plans were approved for the construction of major additions towards the rear of the house.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low: major alterations and additions have completely altered the streetscape presentation what was originally a simple single-fronted cottage

Condition

Based on a streetscape inspection the building appears to be in a good condition.

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.