Commercial Building, 37-45 Cliff Street

Statement of Significance

The place is of historic significance as an example of a commercial building in the Old Port City of Fremantle dating from the gold boom period in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The place is significant because, when viewed from the street, it is a substantially intact example of a commercial building which contributes to the very significant Old Port City of Fremantle. The place is of social significance as evidenced by its classification by the National Trust.

Physical Description

Two storey rendered, truncated corner, building with parapet, extending significantly into Croke Lane; where the façade differs, to that of the corner and into Cliff Street. The building has a zero setback from the pavement. Cliff Street façade is sided by engaged pilasters and has ashlar effect on the ground floor and arched timber sash windows. The first floor has slightly arched windows with stucco above and a string course. The parapet is corniced. The Croke Lane façade features a decorative stucco arch over the drive through entrance on the ground floor; the windows are multi-paned casement with multi-paned transom lights.

History

Cliff St in the 1850s was a busy thoroughfare connecting the sea front jetty with the river. Many businesses were located along the route. The street was paved in 1858 with hand-tolled Yorkshire flagstones by sappers of the Royal Engineers. The job was completed by private contract after the sappers were needed elsewhere. Apparently, convicts were not skilled enough for the job. To meet the expense, dog licences, poundage fees and fines were raised by the Town Trust. The records reveal a number of buildings located on this site (lots 11 & 12) from as early as 1868, when the Fremantle Literary Institute amalgamated with the Working Men's Association and was housed in a small building at the corner of Cliff and Dalgety (Croke Lane) streets. The rates records show George Shenton as the owner from 1881. At this time the records reveal a warehouse and office on lot 11, and buildings on lot 12 as a cottage, 2 warehouses, and offices. In 1896, a new two storey building running the length of lot 11, with a distinctive facade facing the ROW, was erected. The date 1896 appears on the facade of this building. A panoramic photo dated 1902 shows parts of the Cliff St building facade as it is today, although the topmost parts appear to have been removed sometime after 1926. The Croke street facade of the building bears the date 1903. W. Kerr notes that a warehouse was erected for Elder Shenton and Co to the designs of J. Talbot Hobbs, for the sum of £1, 326, and completed in 1903. The building was renovated in 1957 by Frank Manford to a specification by Allen & Nicholas Architects. Currently (2013), Commercial Building, 37-45 Cliff Street houses the office of ‘The Fremantle Herald’ office at 41 Cliff Street.

Archaeology

A number of former buildings have been recorded on site.

Condition

Good.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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