Bairds Building (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The place is an excellent and striking example of a substantial commercial building in the Federation Free Style and has dramatic landmark qualities, particularly in its position opposite open space beside the horseshoe bridge. The place is an integral component of a precinct of buildings from the Federation and Inter-War periods and is important to the historic streetscapes that remain on both sides of William Street and along Wellington Street. The place is a fine example of the work of notable architect Richard Dennehy applied to a commercial building and was constructed by prominent Perth builder J.D. Sanders. The place demonstrates the transition from ironmongers' stores to more specialised hardware, machinery sales and generalist department stores that provided a greater range of goods traditional to ironmongers. It was originally constructed as Levi Greens’ Ironmongery and utilised for over eighty years as retail premises. The place was occupied for fifty years by the popular store Bairds Company, a business of particular importance to country customers, which operated its main store from the site from 1919 up to 1969. The place was hailed at its construction as a modern demonstration of the prosperity of Western Australia.

Physical Description

Four storey commercial building with parapet gable and attic window. Steeply pitched roof, arched windows at fourth floor level and prominent entablature. Facade altered at ground and first floor levels - out of keeping with the original.

History

The building was constructed in 1906 for Levi Green who was an ironmonger. It was designed by R. J. Dennehy. It was later used as a retail business for Green and by the Bairds Company and then Myer. The central area of Perth was developed in the 1890s as a retail and entertainment area with theatres and hotels developed near the train line. The building was completed in 1906 due to difficulties with the construction of the building. At the time of its construction, it was one of a few buildings in the area which was higher than two stories. In 1919 William Baird purchased the property. Baird had established a store in Coolgardie in c1896, Kalgoorlie and Boulder. A store opened in Hay Street in 1903 and an arcade which ran from Hay to Murray Streets. The store sold hardware, toys and gift merchandise. The arcade was tenanted by other shops. In 1920 the Bairds’ Emporium opened and offered drapery, men’s clothing, furniture, shoes and hardware products. Bairds owned the property until 1964. In 1969 Myer bought Bairds Limited and the building was operated as a Myer department store. Conservation works were carried out in the building in the 2000s after works to the adjacent 140William complex was completed.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity as it has lost original detail at first and ground floor levels. Largely intact above.

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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