Commercial Building 1897, Bank of New South Wales

Parent Place or Precinct

11492 Bank of New South Wales (NSW)(fmr)

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic interest due to its truncated corner which addresses a street intersection and the Federation style detailing in the façades at the upper levels. 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 cultural groups that are identifiable characteristics of the local environment. The three-storey portion of the place is the only structure in the streetscape without a parapeted street elevation. The place is representative of a Federation style commercial building incorporating a strong street focus and public accessibility.

Physical Description

The c.1907/11 Building is a three-storey commercial building at the southeast corner of James and William streets currently occupied by ‘Sauma’ Indian restaurant. The three storey portion of the place is truncated across the street corner and has a hipped corrugated iron roof. The upper levels have restored tuckpointed brick facades with simple render dressings to the rectangular windows. A two storey semi-restored tuckpointed brick (to James Street) and painted section with a hipped roof abuts the larger, front portion of the building, extending east along James Street with a further single storey section adjoining the rear of the place. A door opening at the rear of the two storey section of the place provides access to the upper floors. In 2005, works were undertaken to upgrade the front façade of the existing building and the installation of timber flooring. 2013 fit out works associated with the small bar use at the rear of the building and in the adjacent ‘c.1897 building’, resulted in (amongst other works) the demolition of rear additions, construction of a new steel awning to William/James Streets and a new contemporary glass and steel canopy to the rear of the building facing James Street and construction of a new outdoor courtyard including stairs and ramping leading from James Street. Currently the front tenancy (to William Street) is occupied by ‘Sauma’ Indian restaurant.

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 Y15, being the land on Hutt Street between Francis and James streets, sold in six portions between 1882 and 1886. The northern portion was subdivided into Lots 1 & 2 in 1896 and a building licence issued to Levi Green in 1897. It is assumed this was for the two-storey ‘c. 1897 Building on the former Lot 2. A building licence issued to F. A. Wedge Esq. in 1907 is likely to have been for additions to the existing 1897 structure. Plans dated 1911, by architect J. Harwood show additions to the Union Restaurant at the corner of James and William streets for Wedge. Lot 1 was transferred to The Bank of New South Wales in 1927 and continued to operate at the place until 1980 when the land, including Lot 2, which had been transferred to the Bank in 1955, was transferred to the Crown. Modifications were made to the ground level facade for a former restaurant at the place, ‘Spaghetti Western’ and upper level rooms were leased under the collective name, Gotham Studios to individual artists.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - Medium Authenticity - Medium

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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