DUPLEX, 4 PEARSE STREET

Parent Place or Precinct

22385 North Fremantle Precinct

Statement of Significance

Duplex, 2 - 4 Pearse Street is a typical stone and iron single storey cottage duplex dating from the 1890s. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical building stock located within the residential areas of North Fremantle. Historically significant as a representation of typical workers' houses in the North Fremantle area. The place is a simple example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

2-4 Pearse Street is a single storey stone and iron duplex pair with overall symmetrical facade designed as a late example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. Number 2 and 4 have limestone walls with face brick quoins and reveals. The roof is hipped corrugated iron with no eaves. There are two face brick chimneys with brick corbelling. The verandahs are under a separate corrugated iron bullnose roof and are supported by decorative chamfered timber posts. Front elevation is symmetrical with a timber sash window and a front door to each side. The duplex is set forward with the edge of the verandahs set on the front boundary line. There are no fences to the front boundary.

History

The majority of Pearse Street was created as part of a circa 1890 subdivision by William Edward Marmion of Fremantle and James Grave, Edward Keane, Edmund Gilyard Lacey and Frederick Charles Monger Perth. The subdivision occurred when North Fremantle was experiencing rapid development and there was a demand for inexpensive housing close to industry and the railway line. Originally called Mason Street after local land developer and jeweller, Frederick Mason, the street was renamed Pearse Street in 1922/23 (only a year after Mason died) in recognition of George Pearse, Fremantle Councillor (1875-1881) and founder of the Pearse shoe and boot factory in Swan Street. Many of the street’s original occupants were working people who had jobs in nearby industries. Homes were modest in scale of brick, stone or weatherboard. Many of the buildings were owned by absentee landlords who leased the cottages to long and short-term tenants. The street has suffered from a poor reputation during its life, at one time known colloquially as ‘Pong Alley’. The short, narrow street has remained a residential street since its formation. The stone, brick and iron duplex at 2-4 Pearse Street was built in 1896 for an unidentified owner. It was originally part of lot P41, which was granted to Private John Cody of the Pensioner Guards in 1884. In a succession of transfers the land was owned by journalist James Roe of Perth, clerk George Frederick Gallop of Fremantle then the syndicate named above. In 1887, it was transferred solely to William Edward Marmion who subdivided the lot in 1890. Lt 4 of P41 that subsequently became 2-4 Pearse Street was vacant in 1895 but the building is shown on an 1897 plan. It is not known if Marmion still retained ownership of the place when the building was constructed. Between 1921 and 1935 the building was owned by Charles Chapman and the duplex halves were leased to tenants. No rates records are available for 1935 and 1954. In 1955, the property was owned by Angelo Stone and remained in the family untill 1977. The duplex remained under single ownership until 1995 when available records cease. The form of the building in 1940 remained similar to that on a 1913 plan of the site. The building had verandahs across the front façade and laundries and water closets were located near the rear boundary. The building was connected to the mains sewerage system in 1955. By 1979, the front verandahs of each duplex half had been enclosed with brick. The building had major additions in 1986 during the ownership of Michael Patroni and Eve Jansen. The additions included new kitchen, living areas and wet areas at the rear of the buildings. These additions replaced asbestos additions that had previously existed at the rear of the building. In 2004, the place is used as a residence. This place was included in the 'North Fremantle Heritage Study' (1994) as a place contributing to the development and heritage of North Fremantle. It was also included in the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society (1979/80) - RED -significant for contributing to the unique character of Fremantle.

Integrity/Authenticity

Number 2 and 4 High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability, partially restored). High degree of authenticity with most original fabric remaining (These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition of number 2 is assessed as good.Condition of number 4 is assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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