Residence, 77 Alexandra Road

Statement of Significance

Aesthetic & Representative

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE No 77 Alexandra Road is a single storey house constructed in rendered brick with a corrugated iron roof. The place is designed in the Federation Queen Anne style. It has cultural heritage significance at a local level for the following reasons:
• No 77 Alexandra Road was the second residence built in the sub-division of Richmond Heights Estate.

• The place is a representative example of a house designed in the Federation Queen Anne style in the decade 1910-1920, and as such contributes to the diversity of the residential styles and periods in the East Fremantle area.

• No 77 Alexandra Road is representative of the development of the suburb of Richmond in the Town of East Fremantle, as one of only four residences built in the period 1917-30 on the 14 lots that comprised Richmond Heights Estate.

• No 77 Alexandra Road is part of the streetscape of Alexandra Road, where most of the houses between Canning Highway and Wolsely Road date from the Federation period. It contributes to the assemblage of residential properties in the immediate street block and is part of the corner context that is created by the combination of No 77 and No 79.
No 77 Alexandra Road is a place of significance at a local level and plays a contributory role in the cultural heritage of the Town of East Fremantle.
The additions have no significance.
AESTHETIC SIGNIFICANCE No 77 Alexandra Road has considerable aesthetic value as a typical Federation Bungalow. It retains some of the characteristic features of a dwelling of the type and period.
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE No 77 Alexandra Road has some historic value as a representative example of a residence built in the immediate post World War One period.
SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE N/A
SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE No 77 Alexandra Road has some social value. It is associated with a significant area of Federation cottages which contributes to the community's sense of place.

Physical Description

No 77 Alexandra Road is a single storey house constructed in rendered masonry with a hipped and gable corrugated iron roof. It is a simple expression of the Federation Bungalow style. The front elevation is asymmetrically planned with a thrust gable bay and a full width return hip roofed verandah. The verandah is supported on turned timber posts with post brackets. The front facade and gable bay feature sets of replacement windows. The entry door is located on the south elevation under the return verandah.
The place has had some modification but retains its original form. There are additions to the rear and side of the house. The lot has been subdivided and amalgamated. A hospital has been built to the rear.
The place is consistent with the building pattern in the Precinct. The place plays an important role in the pattern of development of a working class suburb.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS Walls - Rendered brick
Roof - Corrugated roof sheeting
PHYSICAL SETTING The residence is situated on a flat site with a garden bed that extends to 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.

HISTORIC THEME Demographic Settlements - Residential Subdivision

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate to Low

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

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.