Residence, 79 Alexandra Road

Statement of Significance

Aesthetic & Representative
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE No 79 Alexandra Road is a single storey house constructed in brick and rendered brick with a tiled 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 considerable aesthetic value as an Inter-War Bungalow. The place retains a moderate to high degree of authenticity and a high degree of integrity.
The additions to the rear have no significance.
AESTHETIC SIGNIFICANCE No 79 Alexandra Road has considerable aesthetic value as an Inter-War Bungalow. It retains most of the characteristic features of a dwelling of the type and period.
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE No 79 Alexandra Road has some 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 79 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 79 Alexandra Road is a single storey house constructed in brick and rendered brick with a hipped tiled roof. It is a fine expression of the Inter-War Bungalow style. The place is located on a corner lot that addresses both Alexandra Road and Coolgardie Avenue. It is asymmetrically composed with a gable bay and a prominent gable roofed porch. The half timbered porch is supported on rendered columns. A rendered balustrade spans between the columns. The half timbered, gable bay features a set of windows under a tiled awning. There is a central pair of front doors flanked by sets of casement windows. The roofscape features rendered chimneys.
The place retains its form and most of its details. There are additions 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 middle class suburb.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS Walls – Brick and rendered brick
Roof – Tile

PHYSICAL SETTING The residence is situated on a sloping site with a steel palisade fence and hedge 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

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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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.