Local Government
Perth
Region
Metropolitan
18 & 20 Howard St Perth
81 St Georges Terrace
Phoenix Chambers (20 Howard St)
Traders Building (fmr)
Perth
Metropolitan
Constructed from 1905
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 20 Dec 1985 | |
| Heritage List | Adopted | 19 Sep 2006 | |
| State Register | Registered | 02 Jul 1999 | HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument, HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Local Heritage Survey | Completed\Draft | Category 1 | ||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 13 Mar 2001 | Category 1 | |
| Local Heritage Survey | Adopted | 28 Mar 2023 | Category 1 | |
| Municipal Inventory | Completed\Draft | 13 Mar 2001 | Category 2 | |
| Perth Draft Inventory 99-01 | YES | 31 Dec 1999 | ||
| Classified by the National Trust | Classified | 04 May 1981 | ||
| Register of the National Estate | Permanent | 25 Mar 1986 | ||
The place is of aesthetic significance as an example of a commercial building constructed during the period of economic affluence and increased development that followed the gold boom. The place is of historic significance because it reflects the expansion and development of commerce and trade in the City of Perth in the early years of the twentieth century. The place is a representative example of a commercial building constructed in Perth during the period of development and consolidation following the gold boom. The place is exceptional as an example of the Federation Free and Federation Gothic styles. The place has strong associations with the owners, the legal firm of Haynes Robinson and Cox. The firm's principal Robert Thomson Robinson, was a public figure in Western Australia.
Commercial building with strongly emphasised base and formal entrance facade incorporates brick columns as extensive stucco decoration including balconies with florid motifs and battlement parapets.
Howard Street was originally a tramway, then private road to the river and was taken over by the Perth City Council as a public road in the late 1890s and early 1900s. In 1905 the building was constructed for solicitors Haynes, Robinson and Cox. The builder S. B. Alexander was also responsible for the Police Court Buildings. Haynes, Robinson and Cox were established in Albany in 1889. In 1897 they took over a Perth based practice Sholl and Foulkes with C. B. Cox and J C Foulkes. In 1903 this became Haynes, Robinson and Cox in 1903. The firm became Robinson, Cox and Wheatley and continued to work from the offices in the building into the early 1980s. The basement and ground floor tenants changed over time and including as a gold exchange in the 1930s which is when it was called Traders Building. Wyndham Freezing Canning and Meat Export Works owned the building during the late 1950s and into the 1960s and were located in the basement and ground floor. A residence was located on the second floor.
High level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity as the exterior is intact.
Good
| Name | Type | Year From | Year To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haynes, Robinson & Cox Solicitors | Architect | - | - |
| Charles Oldham | Architect | - | - |
| S B Alexander | Architect | - | - |
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| HCWA Assessment Register of Heritage Places - Assessment Documentation 18 & 20 Howard Street | Heritage Council WA | 1999 | |
| Draft Municipal Heritage Inventory (2001) Full Set | City of Perth | 2001 |
| Library Id | Title | Medium | Year Of Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11585 | 18 & 20 Howard Street | Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} | 2017 |
Individual Building or Group
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | COMMERCIAL | Office or Administration Bldg |
| Original Use | COMMERCIAL | Office or Administration Bldg |
| Other Use | EDUCATIONAL | Other |
| Style |
|---|
| Federation Gothic |
| Federation Free Style |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | STONE | Donnybrook Sandstone |
| Wall | BRICK | Other Brick |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Community services & utilities |
This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.