DUPLEX, 19 STEVENS STREET

Statement of Significance

Duplex, 19 Stevens Street, is a rendered masonry and iron single storey house. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical workers' houses in the Fremantle area.

Physical Description

19 Stevens Street is a single storey, rendered masonry and iron house with a symmetrical facade. The walls are rendered masonry. The roof is hipped and clad with corrugated iron. The facade has a central front door flanked either side by casement windows. The verandah has a separate corrugated iron roof and is supported by pairs of round steel posts with decorative details. The house is elevated from the street level and there is an undercroft single garage. The front boundary line has a face brick retaining wall and there are tiled steps leading up to the verandah level. This house although different in materials and design is attached to the adjacent no 21 Stevens Street.

History

Stevens Street was originally known as Church Street c1900, the boundary of the old Alma St Church of England Cemetery. It changed to Stephen Street in c1930. In 1962 spelling was changed to Stevens Street, probably to honour Jimmy Stevens, Councillor (1905-1929; 1929-1943). This house was formerly No 79. The numbering changed in 1935/36. It has been claimed that this house was built in 1896 for Michael Guilfoyle, a railway worker. Further research of the rates books for this period is needed to confirm this information as the house does not appear on the Post Office directories until 1913 with the occupant being Stephen Rowe. Guilfoyle did live on Stephen Street in 1898 and at the approximate location in 1899 but it is not clear that it was the same house. In 1920, the house was occupied by Frank Hart and in 1934 -1935 it was occupied by Thomas Duggan. This house shares a common wall with the adjacent property at 21 Stevens Street. It has not been established whether the two residences were built together or at different times. They have a different form which suggests they were built separately although they have been designated as a duplex. Although the roof plan would suggest the building was constructed at the same time. The 1908 sewerage plan of the site shows this stone house has a simple rectangular form with a bay window at the front. A galvanised iron addition was located at the rear of the house and a timber closet was present in the back yard. This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Red: "Significantly contributing to the unique character of Fremantle") A photograph of the place in 1978 shows that the front façade was rendered and had a corrugated iron roof. A rendered masonry wall defined the edge of the front verandah and a brick retaining wall was present on the front boundary. In 1980, a high brick wall had been constructed on the front property boundary. In 1982, the façade of the house was substantially unchanged. It is noted at this time that there was an asbestos addition at the rear of the house and a shed and garage in the back yard. Photographs from c.2000 and 2004 shows that the building had undergone major renovations. The front façade was tuck pointed with stone trim around the door. The verandah roof was renewed and decorated with ironwork. The verandah floor had been replaced with timber boards and a new limestone and iron railing wall was constructed on the front boundary. Additions at the rear included a new kitchen, living area, bathroom and laundry. A separate studio was also constructed adjacent to the rear of the house. The house was named ‘Guilfoyle’ at this time in recognition of the original owner.

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 but with some alterations. (These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as fair (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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