COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 85-87 HIGH STREET

Statement of Significance

The place is of historic significance as an example of a commercial building in the Old Port City of Fremantle dating from the gold boom period in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The place is a fine example of a Federation Free Classical style building, with elaborate stucco decoration above the ground floor level, that makes a significant contribution to the streetscape. The place is of social significance as evidenced by its classification by the National Trust. Awning and shop fronts are not significant.

Physical Description

Two storey rendered masonry and corrugated iron hipped roof building with a highly decorative façade. The parapet has an engaged balustrade with a highly decorative stucco pediment on the right side, including a face. The first floor has four stucco arched windows with multi paned casements and fanlights, there are three engaged Corinthian columns. The ground floor has an awning over the shopfronts (probably not original).

History

High Street was named by Surveyor General Roe - as was customary in English towns, the main street of the town was named High Street. Eastward from William Street the roadway was completed by convict labour after the Town Hall was built in 1887. High Street around the Town Hall closed to traffic in 1966. The High Street Mall was trialled in November 1973 and made a permanent pedestrian mall in 1975.
Lots owned by Davies family from 1880s. Built c1901 by J McNeece replacing several cottages and shops, for George Alfred Davies, and stayed in the Davies family to 1950. George Alfred Davies was Mayor in 1895. Arthur Elvin Davies (1867-1918) was a Fremantle undertaker from 1888, Councillor 1906-1911, Roads Board 1905-1907, and a JP.
The building was occupied by Tates Wines in 1940s, Penfolds Wines 1956-1980s. The shop front was altered in 1971 by Montague Grant Architect and in 1973 by Bennett Allen & Allen. Fremantle Wine Saloon in 1970s. Currently (2002), various retail uses.

Condition

Fair.

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.