Down to Earth Book Shop

Statement of Significance

The place has historical significance as an example of a commercial building constructed during the period of economic affluence and increased development that followed the gold boom. It has aesthetic significance as a Federation Anglo Dutch style building and forms an integral component of the Hay Street streetscape. The 2010 building off Wolf Lane is not significant.

Physical Description

Two storey building with glass along the front of the façade at ground level. The upper façade is decorative with pilasters mirrored in the parapet. The pediment is highly decorated with a curved top.

History

Until the 1880s the Perth town centre was characterised by the establishment of small cottages, shops and small businesses and was rural in character. The expansion of commerce following the discovery of gold in the 1890s put pressure on land in the centre of Perth with the result that most residential uses were displaced in favour of commercial development. During the 1890s and early 1900s the centre of Perth was substantially rebuilt. The period of expansion in Perth coincided with a period of economic depression in the eastern states, in particular Victoria. As a result, there was substantial migration from Victoria to WA. This migration included businessmen, architects and builders, all of whom had a considerable influence on the development of the city. Hay Street was established, along with St. Georges Terrace and Murray Street, as one of the main streets of Perth from the time of colonisation in 1829. It remained a major commercial street throughout the twentieth century and for most of that time was characterised by traffic, including trams. The character of the street changed after the section between William and Barrack Streets became a mall in the 1970s. Post Office directories show that the building was first listed in 1908 occupied by Sandover and Co ironmongers, although the directory states this is ‘temporary premises’. From 1909, No. 790 is the Metropolitan Dental Company, which remained in this location until at least 1949 (when directory publication ceased.) In 1930s, No. 794 was Matthew Goode and Co, a company that had a nationwide chain of stores. In 1999, the building was occupied by the Down to Earth Bookshop. Business News online in July 2021 described the place colloquially as the Apple Building, as it had recently been occupied by Apple. There was a basement and office space in the first floor. The ground floor has no original fabric. The article stated the building was a rarity due to having front and back tenants. Aerial photos show that a building accessed from the Wolf Lane was erected in 2010. At 2022, this is the Spaniard Bar.

Integrity/Authenticity

High integrity. Medium authenticity.

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update