King Street Cafe

Author

City of Perth

Place Number

15792

Location

40-44 King St Perth

Location Details

Also part of the Central Perth Precinct P15846

Other Name(s)

Dome King Street Cafe

Local Government

Perth

Region

Metropolitan

Construction Date

Constructed from 1902 to 1906

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
Heritage List Adopted 20 Dec 1985
Heritage Area Adopted 12 May 2009

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
RHP - To be assessed Current

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
Local Heritage Survey Completed\Draft Category 2
Municipal Inventory Completed\Draft 13 Mar 2001 Category 2
Local Heritage Survey Adopted 28 Mar 2023 Category 2
Register of the National Estate Adopted 25 Mar 1986
Perth Draft Inventory 99-01 YES 31 Dec 1999
Classified by the National Trust Classified 08 May 1981

Statement of Significance

The place is of aesthetic significance as an example of a commercial building constructed during the period of economic affluence and increased development that followed the gold boom. The place is of aesthetic significance because it contributes to the visual quality of its location. The place is of historic significance because it reflects the expansion and development of commerce and trade in the City of Perth in the early years of the twentieth century. The place is a representative example of a commercial building constructed in Perth during the period of development and consolidation following the gold boom.

Physical Description

Two storey commercial building with prominent triangular pediment and battlement parapet, smooth render for street facade with precise detailing, the facade was truncated at the lane way in the 1900's.

History

In 1890 Western Australia achieved responsible government. this, combined with the discoveries of gold in the early 1890's, provided the catalyst for development in Perth. King Street was gazetted in 1845 and named after King William IV. Prior to the 1890's the area around King St. was characterised by workers cottages with shops, coal yards, smithies and foundries located in the adjacent areas of Murray and Hay Streets. In the mid 1890's some smaller businesses began to establish themselves in existing cottages and a number of larger enterprises erected substantial new offices and warehouses in the area. Earlier uses primarily served the local population, however this later development was more broadly based and was a direct response to the expansion of the city centre during the gold rush. The period from the 1890's to early decades of the twentieth century was characterised by a vigorous public works and corresponding expansion of commerce and trade. During this period, the character of the area around King St. was established. This area has recently (1990's) undergone a substantial program of restoration and is now characterised by new uses including cafes, boutiques and professional offices. The building was originally constructed as a warehouse in 1904, the building has been adapted to the popular King St. Cafe in the 1990's.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity as it has been restored and adapted.

Condition

Good

Associations

Name Type Year From Year To
Wenz & Co. Architect - -
Totterdell Bros Architect - -
S Rosenthal Architect - -

References

Ref ID No Ref Name Ref Source Ref Date
R. Ferguson: King St Urban Design Study June 1980
Heritage place assessment - King Street 40-44 King Street Cafe Heritage & Conservation Professuionals
1.16/40 Heritage Place File City of Perth
Draft Municipal Heritage Inventory City of Perth 2001

Place Type

Individual Building or Group

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Original Use COMMERCIAL Warehouse
Present Use COMMERCIAL Restaurant

Architectural Styles

Style
Federation Free Classical

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Wall BRICK Rendered Brick

Creation Date

16 Jan 2002

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

09 Jul 2024

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.