HOUSE, 128 WRAY AVENUE

Statement of Significance

House, 128 Wray Avenue, is a typical weatherboard and tile single storey house dating from 1928. 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 an Inter War bungalow.

Physical Description

House, 128 Wray Avenue is a single storey, timber and tile house with a symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Inter War Bungalow style of architecture. The walls are painted timber weatherboards. The roof is hipped and clad with tiles. The façade is symmetrical with a central front door flanked by replacement windows. The verandah has a continuous tile roof and is supported by timber posts. There is a steel post and mesh link fence to the front boundary.

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 166, renumbering occurred in 1934/35.
This house is first documented in the Post Office directories in 1928 when the entry ‘two new buildings’ was entered. The following year the occupant was Peter Petersen and he was resident until at least 1937. It is likely that he was the original owner of the place but further research of the rates books and certificates of title is required to establish this conclusion.
This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Yellow: "20th century significant buildings contributing positively to the built environment") A photograph of the place at that time shows that it was in relatively good condition with a tiled roof and the original doors and window intact. The verandah had been partially enclosed with a structure of glass and fibre cement sheeting. The roof line may not be original as it included a small gable and the verandah roof and main roof were one structure. The front boundary was defined with a cyclone mesh and timber fence.
A photograph of the place in 1985 shows that the front elevation was largely unchanged, although the windows did appear to be different from those installed in 1978. An extension had been added prior to this date, which included a new kitchen and dining area.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity and Authenticity:
High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
Medium degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining 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.