HOUSE, 23 WRAY AVENUE

Statement of Significance

House, 23 Wray Avenue, is a typical brick, rendered masonry and tile single storey house dating from 1915/16. 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

23 Wray Avenue is a single storey, rendered masonry and tile house with a symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture. The walls are rendered masonry. The roof is hipped and gabled and clad with tiles. The facade has two projecting bays with gables above and casement windows. The verandah wraps around the building, has a separate tiled roof and is supported by round metal posts with a metal balustrade. There is a low level limestone wall 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 is first recorded in the Post Office Directories in 1906 and the occupant was Captain M. J. Williams. Further research of the rates books for this period may establish the exact date of construction and the original owner of the property. It has been suggested from the design features present that the buildings at 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31 have been designed by architect Norman Hitchcock who was practising in Fremantle in the early part of the 20th century. The 1908 sewerage plan of the site shows this brick house has an asymmetrical floor plan with an ‘L’ shaped verandah around the front. Front steps perpendicular to the street access the front verandah. At the rear is a timber addition and the bathroom is located in the main body of the house. In the back yard are a timber shed and a brick closet. A photograph of the house in 1980 shows that the house was in good condition with a tiled roof and tiled verandah roof. The verandah posts had been replaced and the verandah appears to be a later construction of concrete with metal posts and balustrades. The limestone wall on the front boundary may be original. There is a vacant lot next door with the same limestone wall boundary. This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Brown: "Positively contributing to the built environment")

Integrity/Authenticity

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