Duplex Pair

Statement of Significance

A landmark building in Rokeby Road and a fine example of contemporary architecture designed to fit into an established streetscape.

Physical Description

Double storey commercial building with curved smooth rendered brick wall. Large recessed opening for glazed entry. Glass block windows in angled wall to side of entry. Large stepped pattern to wall. One large window screened with external horizontal and angled sun control louvres. One long horizontal strip window above the entrance and two small square windows to front of building. High parapet with tiling to top.

History

Prior to this building, a semi-detached pair of houses, built c1910 was on the site. It was demolished c1990 and this built in its place. (Ref: National Trust File 2/29; HCWA database no 4079.)
Subiaco began to develop as a residential and commercial area in the 1890s, with the first buildings being established along the railway line. In 1895 Rokeby Road was not yet gazetted and Hay Street was called Broome Road. By the turn of the century most of the main roads in central Subiaco were built, including Rokeby, Heytsebury, Hamersley, Bagot, Townshend, Park and Nicholson Roads. Many businesses had been established in Broome Road.
There were many land releases in the late 1890s and early 1900s as Subiaco become a popular place to settle, and businesses were attracted to the opportunity of opening in a new but stable suburb. The Rokeby Road and Hay Street commercial area was firmly established by 1915.
Over the years the nature of businesses have changed. Originally there were estate agents, dressmakers, tailors, confectioners, drapers, grocers, restaurateurs and bakers; in fact most shopping could be done without leaving the suburb.
(Sources: Wise's Post Office Directory 1893-1915; Real Estate Maps, Battye Library Collection; Spillman, Ken, Identity Prized: A History of Subiaco, City of Subiaco, UWA Press, 1985, pp. 92-110.)

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