Four attached Houses & Olive Tree

Statement of Significance

The place has interest as a modestly detailed Victorian Georgian style of residential building. The place forms an integral part of a mixed residential and commercial area dating from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century and contributes to the historic character of the area. The place reflects the expansion and development of residential and commercial buildings on the city fringes during the rapid population increase of the 1890's gold boom and the early years of the twentieth century. The place is representative as an example of a modest residential building dating from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.

Physical Description

Single storey row of four attached cottages with steeply pitched roof which extends over the front verandah. Original does and window openings but doors and windows have been replaced. Original verandah details lost. Simple rendered chimneys have recently been restored. Boned brickwork has been painted.

History

In the early years of the Swan River colony the area to the north of Perth (now known as Northbridge) was low lying and swampy and was therefore settled more slowly than the better land closer to the river. It was also further from the river port and the main means of transport. in 1854 some of the swampy land to the north of Perth was drained producing some fertile land for farming and later subdivision. The land was subdivided into allotments circa 1860. Land in the area was taken up by discharged soldiers, artisans and small landholders. The area at this point was characterised by small cottage and businesses. In 1881 the railway from Fremantle to Guildford was opened and became the main transport route. From that period commerce and trade to focus more fashionable with smaller commercial enterprises and manufacturing to the north. It was less fashionable to live north of the railway line, however the area was close to the city and during the 1890s and early 1900s was substantially redeveloped with further subdivision of lots and mixed residential and commercial development. A number of trade and community organisations had their origins in the area at this time. Over the years the population of the area changed as people relocated to suburban areas of the city. As a result, Northbridge became the home for successful migrant communities. For example, communities including Greek, Italian, Chinese and more recently Vietnamese migrants have settled here as property remained relatively cheap and had the advantage of being close to the city. These communities have over the years given this area a distinctive character, generally recycling the existing buildings rather than redeveloping the area. This place may date from the early to mid-1890s, as it appears on an early water map for the city dated around 1896. There were various residents over the years.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity as it has its original form but has lost original detail.

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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