Universal Bar

Statement of Significance

The place has historic value as it reflects cultural and social change and diversity as it was associated with Italian migration to Australia in the first half of the twentieth century, and particularly the Luisini family. The place has historic value as it reflects the economic changes in Western Australia, particularly the gold boom of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and as it represents a continuity of commercial use for over a century, which has resulted in a moderately intact built form. The place has aesthetic value as a simple Federation Free Classical building contributing to the visual qualities of the moderately intact streetscape. The place has social value as it contributes to the community's sense of place as an integral part of the Northbridge district, providing hospitality and nightlife facilities, and more specifically for its association with the Italian community.

Physical Description

Universal Bar is a double-storey brick and iron commercial building behind a rendered masonry parapet with projecting moulded cornices, a cantilevered metal-clad box awning with Universal Bar painted on the front. The front elevation has been heavily modified and comprises an asymmetrically configured shopfront with timber-framed bi-fold doors and windows extending the length of the façade and set back from the boundary line. The ground floor facade has been rendered and tiled, and the finishes are generally contemporary. Early pressed metal soffit to the awning has been retained, and internally some early finishes, including pressed metal ceilings and concrete floors have been retained. The ground floor is fitted out as a bar, with a recent first floor refurbishment accommodating a smaller, private bar and office and storage spaces. The first floor refurbishment complements the style of the building. The simply detailed parapet mouldings recall other buildings on William Street, including No. 215-217, No.167-181 and No. 279 William Street on the western side, and No. 182-184 and No. 270- 272 on the eastern side, together creating a consistency aesthetic presentation.

History

No.219-221 William Street appears to have been constructed in c.1900. Post Office Directories list the places as being used as a plumbers and hairdressers in 1905. By 1915 the plumbers were still at No.219 William Street, and a broker now occupied No.221. By 1925 No.219 was being used as the Albany Cafe, and a pawnbroker occupied No.221. In 1935 No.219 was used as a fish shop and No.221 as a furniture dealer. By 1945 Ezio Luisini, the owner of No.215-217 William Street, and a well-known identity in the Italian community, had expanded his clothing store and wine saloon to include the premises at No.219. J.H. Kemp operated a rival wine saloon at No.221. By 1955 Luisini had expanded his business to No.221 William Street. A 1966 image shows a canopy bearing the words ' Importer Luisini Mercer Frocks Wine Saloon' extending from N0.215 William Street to No. 221 William Street, indicating that the family had a long association with the place. In this image there are four re-entrant doorways. A photograph c.1990s shows the Universal bar in its current location. Universal Bar is the current tenant of 219-221 William Street.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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