Residences, 34A Alexandra Road

Statement of Significance

Aesthetic & Representative

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE No 34A 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 some aesthetic value as a Federation Bungalow albeit some modifications. The place retains a moderate to low degree of authenticity and a high degree of integrity.
The additions and residence to the rear have no significance. The carport and additions to the front additions are intrusive.


AESTHETIC SIGNIFICANCE No 34A Alexandra Road has some aesthetic value as a Federation Bungalow. It retains some of the characteristic features of a dwelling of the type and period.
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE No 34A 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.
SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE N/A
SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE No 34A Alexandra Road has some 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 34A Alexandra Road is a single storey house constructed in limestone and rendered brick with a corrugated iron roof. The core house appears to be in the mid section. The original house has an ‘M’ format roofed section with a part width return verandah. The front facade features a pair of double hung sash windows. There are additions to the front of the house including a carport. The front addition is constructed of concrete blocks. Openings can be seen on the north elevation. The openings include modified openings at the western end and some original window openings to the east. The roofscape features rendered chimneys.
The place retains some of its form and details. There are additions to the rear. The lot has been subdivided and a house built to the rear. An access lane has been constructed to the north of the place.
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.

HISTORIC THEME Demographic Settlements - Residential Subdivision

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High

Condition

Fair

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.