HOUSE, 46 WRAY AVENUE

Statement of Significance

House, 46 Wray Avenue, is a typical brick, tile and iron single storey house dating from 1905. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical workers' houses in the Fremantle area. The place is an example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture.

Physical Description

46 Wray Avenue is a single storey, rendered brick, iron and tile house with a symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture. The walls are rendered and face brick. The roof is hipped and gabled and clad with tiles. The front elevation has a central front door flanked on either side by a projecting bay with double hung sash windows and a gable above each bay. The verandah has a separate bullnose corrugated iron roof and is supported by turned timber posts. The house is elevated from the street and there is a rendered masonry wall and iron fence to the front boundary line.

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 house was formerly 48 Wray Avenue; the numbering changing in 1935/36. It was probably built by the same owner as the house at 44 Wray Avenue, which had an identical form although this house is apparent one year before the house at 44 Wray Avenue.

This house is first recorded in the Post Office Directories in 1905 and the occupant was James Stephens. It is noted that this was the same occupant as the first occupant of 46 Wray Avenue this may be due to his moving house or a discrepancy in the records. Further research of the rates books for this period may clarify this issue and establish the exact date of construction and the original owner of the house.

The 1908 sewerage plan of this site shows this brick house has double bay windows on the front verandah with a long flight of stairs providing access to the front verandah. The front yard is retained by stone walls. At the rear of the building are two galvanised iron additions. In the back yard are a brick closet and a timber shed.

A photograph of the place in 1979 shows the place has a brick painted façade, a tile roof and a ‘bullnosed’ verandah roof of corrugated iron. The place was in good condition with most of the original features intact. The front retaining wall did seem to be altered to a more recent design.

This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Red: "Significantly contributing to the unique character of Fremantle")

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium degree of integrity (original intent partially clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
Medium degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining but with some alterations.
(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.