Ardagh Bros Building

Statement of Significance

The place makes a valued contribution to the visual character of this important streetscape in its decorative parapet. The building contributes to the masonry 'wall' of Burt Street. The site is representative of retailing at the turn-of-the-century and is significant for its form and continuity of use.

Physical Description

This building was designed in the Federation Free Classical style, c. 1890 - c. 1915.

The shopfronts are typical with highlight windows, and recessed entries with cast iron circular columns to the corner windows.

The decorative balustered parapet features a corner truncated sign written parapet and a pedimented parapet central on the Burt Street frontage.

The verandah is not original, it is a recent addition of contemporary design, although the shops would have originally had a verandah.

History

The building was built and occupied by Charles E Rose (a Draper, Mercer, outfitter and boot importer) from 1899 to 1905. From 1905 the Ardagh family traded through to 1989 as Ardagh Bros Importers and General Merchants. From 1989 to 1995 Brian and Joan Osmetti kept trading as Ardaghs. Since 1995 the building has been unoccupied and left in a poor condition. Due to the non-use of the buildings various vagrants have used the building from time to time as a shelter.

Most of the history can be traced from the trading history of the buildings facing Burt Street. However, on the same lot another building stands facing Hamilton Street, which shares much of the same architectural similarities as the building facing Burt Street. No early photographic records are available of this building but it is believed to be constructed as residential units. The units are constructed of brick parapet walls separated with similar shop fronts of those on Burt Street shops however have been removed previously or eaten completely by white ants.

The Insurance Plans for Boulder c. 1900 illustrate that the lot had Freedman Mercer on the corner and Emins Photo Shop facing Burt Street which were both constructed of brick. Facing Hamilton Street were Ponds Hop Beer and Faulkner Dressmaker (iron buildings), and O’Reilly Mercer, Baldock Fancy, Glance Tailor, Abraham Jeweller, Fruit Shop and Spurling Butcher (brick buildings). The buildings were connected by a verandah that extended across the facades and over the footpath. It is assumed that the brick buildings facing Burt Street remain and most of the brick building facing Hamilton Street remains but has been turned into single bedroom residential units. The front verandah has been replaced and only exists along the Burt Street frontage.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate
Authenticity: Moderate to High

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

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.