Andrews House

Statement of Significance

The place is a good example of the Federation Free style in excellent condition. Its unpainted external facades are a rarity in King Street and the Murray Street streetscape. It provides the community with a sense of place because of its consistency of form since 1913. Its role in the streetscape has been acknowledged by its inclusion in the King Street heritage area. The place is valued for its association with the business which have operated on the premises since it construction in 1913. These businesses demonstrate the evolution of this area of the city. From an area associated with the motor vehicle industry, this area of Murray Street and its surrounds have subsequently been associated with the textile industry, retailing and professional offices. The place is associated with the firm Massey Harris Pty Ltd who were manufacturers of agricultural implements and machinery in the early part of the 20th century. The firm later merged with H.V. McKay Pty Ltd, which was a major company in the history of agricultural machinery in Australia. The place is associated with the firm Andrews Brothers who were members of the wool and textile industry in Western Australia. The design of the addition to the place in 1953 was a result of this function and demonstrates the needs of this industry.

Physical Description

The original portion of Andrews House (fmr) is a good example of the Federation Free style constructed of brick. Of note is the Murray Street and Princes Lane facades, which are predominantly unpainted and as such are relatively rare in this precinct. The addition to the rear of the building is in the post war international style sympathetic to the original design. The building is in excellent condition given the recent refurbishment in 2008.Two storey brick stucco building with decorative parapet and central pediment. Prominent classical cornice, arched windows at first and ground floor levels. Original windows and door at ground floor level altered but original openings intact. The building has undergone external alterations and additions to the rear and internally to the upper floor offices and warehouse areas. The building was extended in 1953.

History

The land was originally owned by George Frederick Moore in 1901 who didn’t develop it. In 1911 it was bought by the Massey Harris Company. The building was constructed in 1913 from a design by William Arthur Nelson. It was built as showrooms for the Massey Harris Company which was an international agricultural equipment supplier and manufactured tractors. The company established their business in Murray Street as it was the location of other similar businesses such as motor cycle and car dealerships. The company occupied the building until 1934. After they sold the building it was occupied by a car importer, refrigerator and radio importer Pritchard Ltd. In 1941 Sewell and Poole car dealers replaced the car importers. In 1944 the building was bought by Andrew Brothers which bought and sold wool. In 1953 it was added and adapted to suit Andrew Brothers which moved from Hay Street. The building was named after this business. Andrew Brothers may have continued to own the building until 1978, however this is unknown. Other tenants occupied the building during the 1970s including National Theatre Company who used the building as rehearsal space. In the 2000s dance school Wrightson’s Dance occupied the first floor. In 2008 the building was altered to suit new tenants.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity as it is largely as originally constructed with detail intact.

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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