COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 102 -106 WRAY AVENUE

Statement of Significance

Commercial building, 102-106 Wray Avenue, is a set of three, double storey, rendered masonry, brick, limestone and iron commercial terraces dating from c1904. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of commercial buildings in the Fremantle area. The place is an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural

Physical Description

Commercial building, 102-106 Wray Ave is a set of three, double storey, rendered masonry, brick, limestone and iron commercial terraces with a symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are rendered masonry with a decorative rendered masonry parapet wall with central gable form. There is no verandah. The front elevation has large shop front windows to the ground floor and double hung sash windows to the upper floor. There is a brick chimney with brick corbels. There is a later added metal awning to the front elevation.

History

Wray Avenue was originally Hampton Street. The named was changed to avoid confusion with the intersecting Hampton Road. It became Alexander Road, after Laurence Alexander, Mayor 1901-1902, and a representative of Falk & Co. The street name was again changed to avoid confusion with Alexandra Road in East Fremantle, and became Wray Avenue in 1923. It was named for William E Wray, at one time with the Education Dept as Truant Inspector, and a resident of the street. He was on the Fremantle Tramways Board and Mayor of Fremantle, 1914-1918. This building was formerly numbered 134/136/138; renumbering occurred in 1935/36. It is difficult to establish the exact date of construction of this building, as there were buildings on this lot from 1897. The description for these former buildings do not clarify their form and function however given that this building probably was designed for a commercial use the year 1904/5 is the first time the description shop and dwelling is applied to two of the street addresses. Previously the term cottage or shop and cottage are used for the buildings on the site. Further research of the post office directories and certificates of title may resolve the exact date of construction. The owner of the lot from 1902 was Henry (or Harry) Atwell. Members of the Atwell family retained ownership of the property until 1951/52. The first occupants of the property are listed as (134) James Hunter Adam, tally clerk, (136) William Agnew McCaw, tailor, (136) George Dewhurst, hairdresser. It is assumed that the occupants operated their business from the ground floor shop front and lived in the second storey or at the rear of the ground floor. A plan of the site in 1908 shows that the three stone shops are of the same plan form and are shown with adjoining walls. The rear of each shop is slightly different but each have two timber additions, a small verandah and a galvanised iron closet at the rear of the lot. The premises at 104 had an additional timber shed in the back yard. The occupants of the properties changed frequently throughout the early 20th century. In 1951/52 ownership was transferred to Cono Letizia. This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Red: "Significantly contributing to the unique character of Fremantle") A photograph of the place at this time shows that the place was in good condition with a rendered front façade on the upper storey. The ground floor facades appear to be modified with the door and windows of 106 being the most altered. An awning installed over the ground floor street front appears to be a later addition.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability). Medium to High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining and some alterations. (These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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