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Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic interest due to the Federation style detailing in the roof level parapet. c. 1897 Building is a component of a particularly cohesive group of buildings, especially at first floor and parapet level, which represent all of the significant characteristics of William Street Precinct. The place reflects the development boom which occurred north of the railway at the turn of the century, largely due to gold rush prosperity and the influx of migrants. The place forms part of the vibrant William Street streetscape and contributes to the community’s sense of place. The uses of the building reflect a diversity of commercial activities and occupation by ethnic groups that are identifiable characteristics of the local community. The place is representative of Federation style, two storey commercial building incorporating ground level commercial tenancies with a strong street focus and public accessibility.

Physical Description

The c. 1897 Building is a two storey commercial building, currently occupied by ‘Periscope’ clothing store. The other retail space is currently empty. The site was previously occupied by ‘Keith & Lottie’ (No. 276) and the ‘International Student Centre’. c. 1897 Building has a balustraded parapet at roof level with a central segmental pediment and scrolled brackets to each side. A decorative render urn sits atop each end of the parapet giving some emphasis to the parapet against the skyline. The upper level of the street façade is relatively plain beneath the parapet featuring a painted brick wall and a symmetrically composed elevation with two pairs of vertically proportioned windows. It is possible that both this and the ‘1906 Building’ (No. 266-268) originally had verandahs and balconies. Each of the two tenancies at ground level has a central recessed doorway. The northern tenancy has ceramic tiling around the large pane, shopfront glazing. Between 2010 and 2012, there have been works undertaken to the front façade of the building and internal renovations including a retail fitout associated with the ‘Butcher Shop’ including the creation of a new internal door from an existing window and the sealing of an existing internal door with removable gyprock as well as awning signage to William Street.

History

During the 1890’s, the gold-rushes had a profound impact on the state’s economy. Commercial and residential development was rapid in all parts of the town and land became a sought after commodity. Hutt Street (renamed William Street in 1897/98) underwent massive changes during this period with Perth Town Lot Y55, comprising the block of land on Hutt Street between Aberdeen and Francis streets, approved for subdivision in 1894. John Mews, the owner of a house and gardens on the corner with Francis Street from 1884, acquired Lot Y55 in 1895. The land was sub-divided into nine separate lots, with the two corner lots comprising the largest land areas, and subsequently developed with shops and houses. It appears c. 1897 Building was constructed following the issue of a building licence to James Ellery in 1897 for two shops on lot 8 of Y55. In 1899 the premises were occupied by Goon Goon laundry and Sun Thong Chong, greengrocer. A proposal to remodel the shopfronts was approved in 1940.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity.

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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