OFFICE/RESIDENCE. 16 -18 CLIFF STREET

Statement of Significance

The place is of historic significance as an example of a commercial building in the Old Port City of Fremantle dating from the post World War ll period. The place makes a contribution to the Old Port City streetscape.

Physical Description

Office/Residence 16-18 Cliff Street is a two storey adjoined office and residence of brick with a smooth rendered band between floors, with a zero setback from the pavement. The tile gabled roof has two rendered and brick chimneys. There is a semi enclosed verandah to the ground floor with face brick balustrades and piers, the first floor verandahs have been enclosed. The windows are timber framed.

History

Cliff Street in the 1850s was a busy thoroughfare connecting the sea front jetty with the river. Many businesses were located along the route. The street was paved in 1858 with hand-tolled Yorkshire flagstones by sappers of the Royal Engineers. The job was completed by private contract after the sappers were needed elsewhere. Apparently, convicts were not skilled enough for the job. To meet the expense, dog licences, poundage fees and fines were raised by the Town Trust. During the 1880s merchant William S. Loton (from 1885 was known as Padbury, Loton and Co) was listed in the rate books as the owner of Lot 20 Cliff Street. The place was entered at this time as a commercial and residential premise and was used as WA Bank. During WWII the premises were used by the US Navy. An aerial photo dated 1947 does not show the form of the current building. The current building appears to have been constructed in 1952 and owner occupants shown in the rate books were Michelle Servillo (No. 18) and Ignatzio De Bari. The residences remained in these names until 1964-68 when Ignatzio died and Susanna De Bari became the owner/occupant of his residence. There is a floor plan of 18 Cliff Street dated 1965 which shows the residence to comprise four main rooms plus a hallway with bathroom and laundry at the rear. 18 Cliff Street remained in the Servillo family until 2006 when the property changed hands.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update