House, 144 Railway Parade

Statement of Significance

• This place has aesthetic value for its inter war style displaying remnant original elements.
• The place has historic value for its association with the development of this area of Bassendean in the inter war period.
• The place has social value for its demonstration of the influence of adjacent industrial functions having an impact on the residential development in the vicinity.

Physical Description

Single storey brick and tile gabled cottage converted to commercial use. Roof incorporates timbered and roughcast gables with terracotta ridge ornaments and finials. Pointed brick to lower half of facade with roughcast render above to the gable element. Roughcast render wall below the window with battered sides. Windows under timber bracketed awnings.
Verandah under main roof pitch with aluminium glazed infill and weatherboard cladding. Side elevations are roughcast render with casement windows.

History

This portion of Bassendean was developed later than the area south of the railway line. Development in the early 20th century was hastened through the establishment of the Cuming Smith and Co fertiliser factory in 1910 just north of the railway line. The new workforce led to a demand for new residential subdivisions. Survey plans for this area were approved in 1905 however this portion of Railway Avenue did not prove popular as a residential location because of the establishment of other industries adjacent to the fertiliser
factory. This residence and the residence adjacent at 140 Railway Avenue appear to have been the only substantial homes in the section of Railway Avenue between Scadden Street and the current Tonkin Highway. From the available information this residence was constructed c1924 and the first occupant was William Henry Morton (c1873-1943) who lived at the residence for only one year and he was replaced by a series of tenants suggesting the place, although a quality home it was an investment property. Aerial photographs indicate that the form and extent of the building have not changed considerably since
the mid-20th century. The subsequent change of use to commercial premises has had an impact on the setting of the original residence.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low
Low

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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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.