House (fmr), 1320 Hay Street, West Perth

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic and historic significance as an example of a Federation Queen Anne style residence constructed during the period of economic affluence and increased development that followed the gold boom. It reflects the way of life of a wealthier class of people who lived in this location in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The place is a representative example of the changing character and growth of the city, being a former residence that has undergone a change of use to commercial/professional offices. It has aesthetic significance for its contribution to the streetscape of which it forms an integral component. It is a rare surviving grand residence on Hay Street that has become increasingly commercial since WWII.

Physical Description

EXTERNAL Two storey tuck pointed masonry former residence now used as a commercial office. Hipped and gabled tiled roof with tall chimneys with corbelling, half timbered front gable, two storey restored verandah with timber balustrade and original pressed metal lining. Original casement windows and new leadlights. Terracotta porch tiles and limestone front wall not original. INTERNAL Internally the building has been extensively restored and comprises a mix of original and new detailing. The original stair remains as does the Arts and Crafts style fireplace surround in the front room. Joinery is generally simple in detail reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts style. A number of doors etc have been relocated and new doorways created. The building has been extended at the back in the style of the original. Non original skylight over stairs. Archways, cornices and ceiling roses are both original and recent. STREETSCAPE Not part of an intact streetscape.

History

West Perth developed as suburban residential area in the late 1890s. From its inception it had the characteristics of a quality neighbourhood. The West Perth end of Hay Street was predominately prestigious homes, taking advantage of Hay Street’s proximity to the city and King’s Park (then known as Perth Park). The elevated location provided healthy site drainage as well as cooling breezes and views over the city and hills. The area had social status already associated with addresses in nearby Mount Street and access to the city's piped water system. The homes built in West Perth from the early 1900s included prestigious mansions built in prominent locations and smaller working class cottages in the narrower back streets and towards the northern end of the area adjacent to the railway. In the 1920s and 1930s, many property owners in West Perth were taking advantage of the location and demand for housing by renting out rooms. If this was the case, private homes would be listed as lodging house, boarding house, flats or apartments. Sometimes large houses would actually be converted into flats or apartments. Post Office directories show that numbering changed as more houses were built in this section of Hay Street, so the date of construction is difficult to determine without a Rate Book search. It is certainly a Federation Queen Anne style, probably built in the first decade of the 1900s. The Metropolitan Water Supply Survey plan (1953) shows a large building with a projecting bay on the east end and a verandah at front and back. Aerial photos show that by 1964 the rear yard is being used for carparking, suggesting it has already undergone a change of use. A photo held at the State Library of WA dated 1983 shows the former house as Baptist Union House. At this time it was painted white with a tiled roof. In 2001, additions to the rear were made, bringing the buildings all the way through to Cook Street. At 2022 the house has been restored to its red brick tuck pointed facade with stucco bands and accents over the arched windows. It has a corrugated iron roof and timber balustrades and frieze to the balconies. It is called ‘Yorganop” and is Western Australia's only Aboriginal foster care agency.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low level of integrity. Authenticity - Restored to original, or near original detail.

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update