HOUSE, 43 STEVENS STREET

Statement of Significance

Aesthetically significant as an example of Fremantle’s vernacular architecture. Typical timber framed single storey cottage dating from the first decades of the twentieth century. Historically significant as a representation of working people’s living conditions in the Fremantle area.

Physical Description

Single storey timber framed and weatherboard clad walls and a painted corrugated iron gable roofed house. The roof has a rendered chimney with chimney pots and extends over the veranda which is supported by timber posts. The front elevation features two split pane double hung sash windows and an original four panel front door with a glazed fanlight. The back of the cottage is clad with fibrous cement (asbestos) sheets. There is a brick WC in the back yard. A Heritage Assessment was prepared in June 2009 by Heritage and Conservation Professionals for a DA submission to Council (DA134/09) for proposed demolition. Council refused.

History

Stevens Street was originally recorded as Stephens Street after John Stephen Hampton, WA Governor from 1862 to 1868. It appears on a 1877 map of Fremantle. Between 1962 and 1971 it changed to Stevens Street, probably to honour Jimmy Stevens, Councillor (1905-1929; 1929-1943). The cottage at 43 Stevens Street (Lot 1408) is first noted in the Rates Book in 1901/2 and was owned by the government, probably for workers’ housing, to assist with urgent housing in response to the influx of people due to the gold boom at the turn of the century. Abel Kay, bricklayer, was listed as the occupier until he purchased the property in 1915/16 but no longer resided there. In 1904/5 it was assigned street number 16. In 1934/5 the number changed to 43. An outline of the cottage appears on 1913 PWD plan No. 13017. By 1925 Pamela Badham is listed as the owner. The Badham family rented out the property until it changed hands in 1956 and the Wardman family owned and appeared to reside there. The Torelli family were listed as the owners between 1987 and 2010. It was during this time the property was amalgamated with 43 Stevens Street. In 1994 Council refused an application for demolition. A Heritage Assessment was prepared in June 2009 by Heritage and Conservation Professionals for a DA submission to Council (DA134/09) for proposed demolition. Council again refused.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low degree of integrity (not suitable for residential use as originally intended. Medium degree of authenticity with some original fabric remaining. (These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as poor (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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