COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 72 WRAY AVENUE

Statement of Significance

Commercial Building, 72 Wray Avenue, is a typical rendered masonry and iron single storey, single width commercial building dating from c1900. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. The place is an example of the Federation Queen Anne style of architecture. The place has some rarity value.

Physical Description

72 Wray Avenue is a single storey, rendered masonry and iron single width shop with a symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Federation Queen Anne style of architecture. The walls are rendered brick. The roof is gabled and clad with corrugated iron. The dominant feature of the building is the heavily detailed timber gable end. The front elevation has a front door set within large timber framed shop front windows. The building is located on the front boundary line and there is a cantilevered awning to the front.

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 property was formerly 80 Wray Avenue; renumbering occurred in 1930/31.
This house is one of several on a single lot of land that was first developed prior to 1880. The sequence of development of this group of buildings is difficult to establish as the rates book for this early period do not distinguish clearly the individual buildings on the lot. The number of buildings on the lot gradually increased during the 1890s and by 1894 there were seven cottages on the lot. The owners were Benjamin Shemelds, Mary McNeece and Godfrey Dixon. Mary McNeece was the wife of John McNeece, architect and carpenter who designed several buildings on the adjacent corner lot.
Because this building has a frontage on the front property boundary it is suggested that this building was originally designed for a commercial purpose. The only shop recorded on this lot was in 1900 it is therefore suggested that this is when this building was constructed. The owner was John McNeece and the occupant was Mary M. Tapper, shopkeeper. It is probable that McNeece designed this building.
A plan of the site in 1907 shows that this brick cottage had a verandah at the rear but located on the side of the building. A timber closet was located in the rear of the property.
This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Purple: "Of architectural and historic significance in its own right.”)
A photograph of the property at that time shows that the original façade was relatively intact. Decorative timberwork in the roof line was a particular feature. The building was used for a commercial purpose.

Integrity/Authenticity

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

Condition

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

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This data is provided by the City of Fremantle. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data, the City of Fremantle makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damage) and costs which you might incur as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. Under no circumstances should this data be used to carry out any work without first contacting the City of Fremantle for the appropriate confirmation and approval.