Choice Inn

Statement of Significance

The place has historical significance as a two-storey commercial building dating from c. 1905. It has aesthetic significance as a Federation Free Style commercial building that contributes to the visual quality of the streetscape. The place is a representative example of a commercial building constructed in Perth during the period of development and consolidation following the gold boom. Its change of use reflects the changing character of Northbridge, in particular the associations with the development of Chinatown.

Physical Description

Two storey commercial brick building with rendered details including parapet prominent triangular pediment and rendered horizontal bands. Arched windows in Pairs. Loss of original detail to ground level facade ornate lanterns at first floor level are not original.

History

The area to the north of Perth (now known as Northbridge) was valued by the Whadjuk Nyoongar for its low lying and swampy lakes system, which provided abundant resources. After colonisation, this land was not settled as quickly as drier areas on the ridge of Perth. In 1854 some of the swampy land to the north of Perth was drained producing fertile land for farming. As the population grew during the convict era of the 1850s the land was subdivided into allotments circa 1860 and taken up by discharged soldiers, artisans and small landholders. The area at this period was characterised by small cottages and businesses. In 1881 the railway from Fremantle to Guildford was opened and became the main transport route. From that period commerce and trade tended to focus on smaller commercial enterprises and manufacturing to the north. It was less fashionable to live north of the railway line, however the area was close to the city and during the 1890s and early 1900s was substantially redeveloped with further subdivision of lots and mixed residential and commercial development. This was an immediate response to the tripling of the State’s population in the recent decade due to the gold boom, and a pressing demand for affordable accommodation. A number of trade and community organisations had their origins in the area at this time. Over the years the population of the area changed as people relocated to suburban areas of the city. As a result, Northbridge became the home for successive migrant communities. for example, communities including Greek, Italian, Chinese and more recently Vietnamese migrants have settled here as property remained relatively cheap and had the advantage of being close to the city. These communities have over the years given this area a distinctive character, generally recycling the existing buildings rather than redeveloping the area. Northbridge, named because it is just north of Perth across the railway bridge, was approved as a suburb name in 1982. Roe Street was not on the original 1830 plan of the Perth Town. There was a road between Beaufort and William Streets, but not further west as this area was a swampy area that the Whadjuk Nyoongar called Gooloogoolup (Lake Kingsford and Lake Irwin). The area was infilled and Roe Street was made in 1845.The 1897 Perth Town Plan shows a number of buildings on the north side of Roe Street by then (the southern side being the Railway yards and infrastructure). However, there were no structures in the location of 68 Roe Street. The Metropolitan Water Supply Survey plan dated 1949 shows the building was originally 56-60. The plan labels the place ‘Livery Stables.’ There was a shopfront on Roe Street with no setback, and two long rows of horse stalls along the east and east boundary, with a chaff house at the rear of the lot. When the Post Office Directory ceased publication in 1949, the building was still listed as No. 56, occupied by WA Horse Cattle and Vehicle Bazaar, stock dealers. Earlier to this, the various businesses in this building included Dalgety and Co, horse bazaar (1940); Gardner Bros, farm and station / produce merchants (1930-1920); WA Fruit and Produce Markets (1915); Intercolonial Horse Bazaar (1908-1910). Before 1908 the numbering was different again; it is likely the place was No. 198. No businesses are listed until 1910.The 1982 the building was Century Motors (See State Library photo 311302PD) and in 1985 it was Choi’s Inn, a Chinese Restaurant (State Library photo 313776PD), adjacent to the newly built Gateway to Chung Wah Lane, with another Chinese Restaurant, Sun Wah, on the east of the gateway. The building is a two storey commercial brick building with rendered details including parapet, a prominent triangular pediment and rendered horizontal bands. It has six arched windows in pairs. There is a loss of original detail to ground level façade, but the upper floor is intact. The ornate Chinese lanterns at first floor level are not original. At 2021, the building is still a Chinese restaurant.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low level of integrity. Low level of authenticity. Loss of original detail at ground level, but intact above.

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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