Building

Statement of Significance

The place has historic significance as a modified 1890s Victorian Georgian residence. The place is a representative example of the changing character and growth of the city, being a former residence that has undergone a change of use to apartments, and then to commercial/professional offices.

Physical Description

Single storey building with a central front door and windows located on either side. The place has been modified over time to suit a commercial use. A parapet hides the roof. The façade has been rendered.

History

West Perth developed as suburban residential area in the late 1890s. From its inception it had the characteristics of a quality neighbourhood. The West Perth end of Hay Street was predominately prestigious homes, taking advantage of Hay Street’s proximity to the city and King’s Park (then known as Perth Park). The elevated location provided healthy site drainage as well as cooling breezes and views over the city and hills. The area had social status already associated with addresses in nearby Mount Street and access to the city's piped water system. The homes built in West Perth from the early 1900s included prestigious mansions built in prominent locations and smaller working class cottages in the narrower back streets and towards the northern end of the area adjacent to the railway. In the 1920s and 1930s, many property owners in West Perth were taking advantage of the location and demand for housing by renting out rooms. If this was the case, private homes would be listed as lodging house, boarding house, flats or apartments. Sometimes large houses would actually be converted into flats or apartments. The Post Office Directory first lists No. 1140 Hay Street in 1897, occupied by William Allen. It was No. 792; numbering changed in 1908. Like much of West Perth, the large house was later converted into apartments, in response to the demand for accommodation close to the city. It was operated by Mrs Monica Tomney in 1947. The Metropolitan Water Supply Survey plan (1953) shows the house as square in plan, with a full length verandah. It was likely Victorian Georgian in style with a symmetrical front and a bull nose verandah roof. There was a house identical in size and plan adjacent at No. 1138. This was demolished in the late 1990s, but an image of it dated 1984 is held in the State Library of WA (313069PD). Aerial photos show that between 1953 and 1965 a large addition (office space) was made to the front of No. 1140, replacing the front verandah and bringing the building up to the footpath. A photo dated 1984 held at the State Library shows this 1950s-style office front, when the place was occupied by the Nurses Board of W.A. The building was called Le Souef House. The façade was face brick above a full wall of windows, with a recessed entry. The 1950s frontage has been completely replaced with a rendered front, four vertical multipaned windows, and projecting arched portico and pillars as an entry statement. The original house is still behind the office front. Aerial photos show that an addition was made to the rear in 2004/05. The topography means there is a basement and from the rear the building is two storeys. At 2022, the former house is used as offices.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low level of integrity. Low level of authenticity.

Condition

Fair

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update