Outram Street Terraces

Statement of Significance

The place is a rare, extant example of a terrace of five former residences in the west Perth area. The place is representative of the original settlement patterns of West Perth, with substantial residences in the more prominent locations and modest, working class accommodation in the side streets and areas close to the railway. Although the place has been altered, it has aesthetic value for its robust and mildly exuberant Federation Free style façade. The change of use of the place, from residential to commercial, illustrates the changes that have occurred in West Perth, largely in the post-World War Two period.

Physical Description

This is one of a group of 5 terraced buildings that were originally residential dwellings. This dwelling differs from the others in that it has a pyramidal roof with tall finial. A prominent faceted bay properties from the building which has an iron waning roof that has bracket supports. The roof parapet has some ornament including stucco bands and triangular features. These shapes are repeated in stucco reliefs on pillars and on the chimney. Verandah roof is supported by iron pillars. Tall brick chimney with stucco relief at the head with terra-cotta pots. boundary fence is continued along the whole terrace with wrought iron and brick pillars.

History

The terraces were originally built as residences and business premises in 1904. The property was owned by Ellen and Robert Howard. It was then sold to Philip Cantor in 1905. Each residence was named except No. 76. The names were Kent Villa (No. 74), Echuca (No. 76), Heimath (No. 80) and Wainera (No. 82). The houses were mainly occupied for five to ten years by tenants. Ownership changed in the 1920s and 1930s. in 1936 Margaret Dwyer bought the property and it continued to be owned by the family until 1962. Renovations occurred in the 1960s to modernize the terraces, including moving the bathrooms inside. The whole terrace group was bought by Frank Baden-Powell in 1969 who was responsible for opening Perth’s first late night coffee house Janey’s in No. 74. Internal alterations were made to No. 78 and 80 for its use as a restaurant The Olive Tree in the 1970s. Ownership changed in 1978 and again in the 1980s and 1990s. The terraces are currently used for commercial purposes. West Perth developed as suburban residential area in the late 1890's. From its inception it had the characteristics of a quality neighbourhood. Proximity to the city centre and Kings Park (then known as Perth Park), and the elevated location which 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 area was subdivided into large residential lots for development and proceed accordingly. Less prestigious areas also developed in lower parts of the area and adjacent to the railway.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity as it is largely as originally constructed with detail intact.

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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