Residence, 32 Alexandra Road

Statement of Significance

Aesthetic & Representative

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE No 32 Alexandra Road is a single storey house constructed in limestone and brick with a corrugated iron roof. It has historic and aesthetic value for its contribution to Richmond's high concentration of predominantly Federation and Inter-War period houses and associated buildings. The place contributes to the local community’s sense of place.
The place has exceptional aesthetic value as a Federation Bungalow. The place retains a moderate to high degree of authenticity and a high degree of integrity.
The additions have little significance.
AESTHETIC SIGNIFICANCE No 32 Alexandra Road has exceptional aesthetic value as a Federation Bungalow. It retains most of the characteristic features of a dwelling of the type and period.
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE No 32 Alexandra Road has considerable historic value. It was part of the suburban residential development associated with the expansion of East Fremantle and the subdivision of Stephen Henry Parker and James Morrison’s and then Walter Easton’s Estate from 1901.

SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE No 32 Alexandra Road has considerable social value. It is associated with a significant area of middle class Federation and Inter-War period development which contributes to the community's sense of place.

Physical Description

No 32 Alexandra Road is a single storey house constructed in limestone and brick with a hipped and gable corrugated iron roof. It is a fine expression of the Federation Bungalow style. It is asymmetrically composed with a thrust gable bay and a full width return hip roofed verandah. The verandah is supported on turned timber posts with post brackets. A vertical timber balustrade spans between the posts. The half timbered gable bay features a bay window with a pair of double hung sashes. At the southern end of the verandah there is a set of steps leading down to the garden. The entrance is located on the south elevation under the return verandah. Windows are single pane double hung sashes. Particular features of the house include its roofscape, with tall jettied half-timbered gables and chimneys with rendered caps.
The place retains its form and most of its details. There are additions to the rear and side of the house. A garage has been built to the south.
The place is consistent with the building pattern in the Precinct. The place plays an important role in the pattern of development of a middle class suburb.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS Walls – Limestone and brick
Roof – Corrugated iron sheeting
PHYSICAL SETTING The residence is situated on a sloping site with a limestone wall and steel palisade fence on the lot boundary.

History

Historic Theme: Demographic Settlement

In September 1883 Stephen Henry Parker and James Morrison of Perth commenced subdivision of 65 acres of land to the north of Canning Road. The subdivision occurred at Swan Locations 63, 176, 219 and the south western portion of Swan Location 306. The subdivision included Preston Point Road, Alcester Gardens, Wolsely Gardens, Victoria Road, Alexandra Road, Parry Avenue, and Salvado Avenue.
The Richmond Precinct was owned by Walter Easton and was named after the town of Richmond where Easton lived in England. In 1901 Easton’s sons subdivided Windsor Estate. New streets to the subdivision of the Windsor Estate were named after various members of the Easton family; Walter, Gill, Stratford and Morgan (later Osborne Road).
Initially lot sizes were generous but sold at a slow rate. The initial development of the Richmond Precinct occurred at Canning Highway and Preston Point Road. Substantial residences were developed on these streets giving precedence to the future development of Richmond. The distinct architecture of Canning Highway and Preston Point Road distinguish Richmond from the surrounding area.
By 1913 there were approximately 40 residences in the area between Preston Point Road and Alexandra Road. Osborne Road, Windsor Road and Gill Street had several buildings apiece by 1913. By 1931 approximately half the lots were developed. In 1921 Richmond Primary School was developed between Windsor and Osborne Road and several Inter-War residences were developed in the immediate area. In the 1930s the Workers’ Homes’ Board developed a number of weatherboard, asbestos, brick and tiled residences. Inter-War style front porches were preferred over Federation style full width verandahs.
Redevelopments have occurred throughout the Richmond Precinct. Large lot sizes have allowed Richmond to be subject to the redevelopment of group and multiple housing. However, significant clusters of heritage dwellings remain throughout.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High

Condition

Excellent

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.