Commercial Buildings

Child Places

• 02024 Commerical Building
• 15886 Howard Chambers

Statement of Significance

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE (reason for entry on the heritage list) initially adopted at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 20/12/1985 was updated with the MHI (2001) entry as follows: + The place is of aesthetic significance as an example of a commercial building constructed during the period of economic affluence and increased development that followed the gold boom.
+ The place is of aesthetic significance because it contributes to the visual quality of its location; + The place is of historic significance because it reflects the expansion and development of commerce and trade in the City of Perth in the early years of the twentieth century. + The place is a representative example of a commercial building constructed in Perth during the period of development and consolidation following the gold boom.

Physical Description

A narrow two storey commercial building embellished with pilasters, prominent cornice, florid pediment and parapet. Loss of original detail to ground floor shop front.

History

Until the 1880's the town centre was characterised by the establishment of small cottages, shops and small businesses and was rural in character. The expansion of commerce following the discovery of gold in the 1890's put pressure on land in the centre of Perth with the result that most residential uses were displaced in favour of commercial development. During the 1890's and early 1900's the centre of Perth was substantially rebuilt.

The period of expansion in Perth coincided with a period of economic depression in the eastern states, in particular Victoria. As a result, there was substantial migration from Victoria to WA. This migration included businessmen, architects and builders, all of whom had a considerable influence on the development of the city.

Example of a commercial building constructed in Perth during the period of expansion and development that followed the gold rush of the 1890's.

Hay Street was established along with St. George's Terrace and Murray Street, as one of the main streets of Perth from the time of settlement in 1829. It remained a major commercial street throughout the twentieth century and for most of that time was characterised by traffic, including trams. The character of the street changed after it became a mall in the 1970's.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity.

Medium level of authenticity as there is loss of original detail but ground floor 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.