151-165 Beaufort Street

Statement of Significance

The place is of aesthetic significance as an example of a substantial Federation Free Classical style of commercial building. The place forms part of a group of commercial buildings and contributes to the historical character of the area. The place is of historic significance because it reflects the way of life of the working people of Perth in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The place is of historic significance because it reflects the expansion and development of residential and commercial buildings on the city fringes during the rapid population increase of the 1890s gold boom and the early years of the twentieth century. The place is associated with Dr Daniel Kenny, medical practitioner and successful investor in Perth real estate for whom it was constructed; and with noted architect, Charles Oldham, who designed the buildings. The place is a representative example of a commercial building dating from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.

Physical Description

Substantial two storey building with shops at street level and residences above. Balustrade parapet to street concealing roofline with decorative stucco work. Upper level walls are tuck-pointed face brickwork with a band of render at still height. Re-entrant doors to shops. Cantilevered bull-nose awning with iron brackets. A pediment on the corner of the building above the parapet bears inscription ‘1903’. Upper level windows are timber framed double-hung sashes.

History

Example of a commercial building in Perth during the period of expansion and development that followed the gold rush of the 1880's. In the early years of the Swan River colony the area to the north of Perth (now known as Northbridge) was low lying and swampy and was therefore settled more slowly than the better land closer to the river. It was also further from the river port and the main means of transport. Northbridge is an inner suburban area, named because it is just north of Perth across the railway bridge. It was approved as a suburb name in 1982. In 1854 some of the swampy land to the north of Perth was drained producing some fertile land for farming and later subdivision. The land was subdivided into allotments circa 1860. Land in the area was taken up by discharged soldiers, artisans and small landholders. The area at this period was characterised by small cottages and businesses. In 1881, the railway from Fremantle to Guildford was opened and became the main transport route. From that period commerce and trade tended to focus more fashionable with smaller commercial enterprises and manufacturing to the north. It was less fashionable to live north of the railway line, however the area was close to the city and during the 1890's and early 1900's was substantially redeveloped with further subdivision of lots and mixed residential and commercial development. A number of trade and community organisations had their origins in the area at this time. Over the years the population of the area changed as people relocated to suburban areas of the city. As a result, Northbridge became the home for successive migrant communities. For example, communities including Greek, Italian, Chinese and more recently Vietnamese migrants have settled here as property remained relatively cheap and had the advantage of being close to the city. These communities have over the years given this area a distinctive character, generally recycling the existing buildings rather than redeveloping the area. The building was designed by Charles Oldham ad were built in 1903. Many shops and residences were built in the area north of the train line in the 1890s. The location of the current shops and residences was formerly the site of timber cottages. The property was to be an investment for Dr Daniel Kenny who was one of many doctors at the time who invested in property during the Gold Boom. Each shop had a residence with bathroom facilities in the rear. A variety of businesses were located in the tenancies during the twentieth century. The building changed owners in the 1940s with Margaret Anketell recorded as the owner from 1956 to 1963. The property was transferred to the Metropolitan Regional Planning Authority in 1973.

Integrity/Authenticity

High integrity. Medium authenticity. The windows to the street have been modified and the tiles on the shop fronts have been painted. Part of this original awning has been replaced. .

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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