Connor Quinlan Building

Statement of Significance

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 aesthetic significance because it contributes to the visual quality of its location. The place is a fine example of the Federation Free Classical style. 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 in Perth during the period of development and consolidation following the gold boom. The place has associations with the Connor and Quinlan families, one of the largest landowners in Perth at the time.

Physical Description

External - A building on a prominent corner location with frontages to both Hay Street Mall and Barrack Street, two storeys above ground level plus a basement. The building has a truncated corner facing the intersection and is ornamented with motifs, egg darts, swags and modillions. The upper floors are divided into bays containing classical pilasters, balustrades and friezes with pediments to the corner and to the end sections of the facades. Advertising over the windows is obscuring evidence of windows on Hay Street Mall, Barrack Street is sashes with some containing AC units. A metal faced awning extends across both elevations with a pressed metal lining and suspension rods. There are two small modern shop fronts to both Hay Street Mall and Barrack Street with a larger modern corner shop front with dual street frontages and a corner entrance. The two Hay Street Mall shops have open frontages with concertina doors whilst the jewelers on the corner unit has plate glass full height windows in a more traditional arrangement. Frontages to Barrack Street are altered with full height windows and sliding doors. Internal - No internal access - shop fit outs all modern.

History

The building known as the Connor Quinlan Buildings was constructed in 1891 following the purchase of the land by Timothy Quinlan in 1890. Quinlan and his father-in-law Daniel Connor were successful investors and one of the largest landholders in central Perth. The architect of the building has not been determined although it is known the builder was Alfred Lee. The first occupiers were recorded as McKernan & Co land agents and auctioneers. In 1892, the building was designated as Swan Buildings and occupants included; Chemist, George Carrigan; Jeweller; F. Piaggio; and Draper, Gustav Luber. The first floor offices were known as Swan Chambers. In 1899, the tenancy of the corner retail premises was taken up by tobacconist James Washington and this function has continued until the present day. The name 'Sharpe's' and 'Sharpe's Corner' originates with Theodore Sharp who took over the business in 1910. In 1906-7, architect Richard Dennehy designed an addition on Barrack Street which consisted of a basement, two shops and a photographic studio on the first floor. This structure was built by contractor James Douglas Sanders for £4898. The building has remained largely intact since that program of work apart from ongoing changes to the fit outs at ground level.

Integrity/Authenticity

High integrity. Medium level of authenticity. The shop frontages have all been replaced with contemporary frontages. The upper levels remain as originally constructed with a high degree of original fabric and detailing remaining extant.

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

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