Steve's Hotel, Nedlands

Statement of Significance

The Nedlands Park Hotel has significant aesthetic, historic, social and rarity cultural heritage value. As the first commercial building in the City of Nedlands still standing, it Is a rare and historical remnant of the beginnings of the suburb of Ned lands. Though there have been some marked changes in the built fabric of the hotel, it is still a fine representative of the Federation Filigree architectural style. For 90 years the hotel has provided a service to local patrons as well as welcoming many visitors to the area. Particularly of note is the continuity of the owners. The McHenry family has been involved at the hotel for 63 years.

Physical Description

The Nedlands Park Hotel is situated on a.prime site all ehe Swan River Foreshore. The verandahs give clients an uninterrupted view of activities 011 the river and grassed playing Held where once swamp existed. The two storey hotel built from brick and iron is a fine example of the Federation Filigree .architeotural style, with ornate timber posts, balustrading and brackets. The roof is hipped with a half timbered gable. Extensions and alterations to the original design have been made to acoommodate a larger clientele. However, even with these changes the hotel retains a fair degree of integrity though aesthetics have sometimes been compromised.

History

Harold Boos was Ihe architect responsible for the design of the Ncdlands Park Hotel which was fiTst drawn up in 1907. The hotel 1''35 built to accommodate 40 guests. According to recollections by Harold Boas the hotel was built by J Hawkins and SOli. The bricks were made at Belmont and were brought LO the site along the river as the Broadway was not completed 10 the Perth Fremantlc Road at this stage, The hotel cost about £ 10,OOO to build. With great fanfare the hotel owned by A H Williams was opened on Wednesday. 23 December 1908. under the management of Mrs Benstead. The hotel was the venue for the cclebrntions after the ceremonial opening of the Ncdlands Swimming Baths on 9 February 1909. Mrs Benstead welcomed Sir John forrest (WA's first premier 1890-1901) and the official guests to the hotel. Nedlonds Park Hotel was also used as the first meeting place for some religious denominations. In 1913, after a series of managers and lessees. Williams sold the hotel to William Sutton. Sutton recognised the need for a teetotal service during a mounting world wide move towards alcohol prohibition. hence the Arcadian Tea Rooms were built in front of the hotel. This captured the non drinking market. Many people were attracted to the Ncdlands foreshore for holidays and day trips. Facilities included Lhejetty. the swimming baths and the beach. Public access was made possible by the tram service. Visitors flocked to use the services of the Arcadian Tea Rooms or the Nedlnnds Park Hotel. While the hotel lessees turned over so did the owners. In 1915 AJ Talbot purchased the hotel which remained popular until 1924 when the hotel's bars were closed. Owing to Prohibition laws, the number of people resident in a three mile radius was clnssified as not sufficient to wnrrant Ihe operation of n bar However. this did not: last long and patrons returned when the bar reopened. In 11)]5 the lease of the Ncdlands Park Hotel WIIS sold 10 Stephen McHenry v"hose name is still strongly associated with the hotel 'today (1998). After Steve McHenry leased the hotel he began a number of alterations to allow for an increase and change in clientele. No longer were people reliant on the tram or bus for transport Cars became dominant and they needed room for parking. Other changes included removing some of the downstairs walls to make larger lounge and 5.1100ll bar areas, TIle billiard room became a bottleshop. lntcr to be converted to a drive-in service, In 1977 the Mcl-lcnry family bought the botel (after it had been under the management of Hazel McHenry since 1958). For a pcnod of at least two decades 'Steve's'. as the hotel is popularly known. has been a controversial issue often on the City of Nedlands agenda. Particularly patronised by UWA students. tbe hotcl attracts man) people which has at times created problems with parking and noise. However. the hotel continues Looperate successfully under the McHenry's and patrons can still sit and look out with uninterrupted views. to the Nedlnnds jctty across the reclaimed flat lands of'the foreshore.

Integrity/Authenticity

Mostly high though compromised by some additions

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update