DUPLEX, 31 HOWARD STREET

Statement of Significance

Duplex 29 & 31 Howard Street, is a typical rendered masonry limestone and iron single storey duplex pair dating from 1899. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of typical workers' houses in the Fremantle area. The place is an example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture.

Physical Description

Duplex, 29 & 31 Howard Street is a single storey rendered limestone, face limestone, brick, iron and tile duplex pair with an asymmetrical facade designed as an example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture. The walls are rendered masonry to no. 29 and limestone and brick quoins to no. 31. The roof is hipped with a visible dividing parapet wall and clad with corrugated iron. The front verandah to no. 29 is under a separate corrugated iron roof supported by square timber posts. The verandah to no. 31 is under a separate corrugated iron bullnose roof supported by turned timber posts with frieze. Brick and render corbelled chimneys are evident. There is a high rendered masonry and iron wall to no. 29 and a limestone and timber picket fence to no. 31.

History

Duplex, 29-31 Howard Street was formerly 21/23 Howard Street; the numbering changing in 1935/36. This duplex is first recorded in the Post Office directories in 1899 and the first occupant was Miss Alice Windle. In the following year the occupant was Ralph Taylor. Further research of the rates books for this period may establish the exact date of construction and the original owner at the time of construction. The 1908 sewerage plan of the site shows that this brick duplex closely resembled the adjacent duplex at 15/17 Howard Street. It is likely they were built at approximately the same time. The house has a verandah at the front and rear and a water tank is located adjacent to the rear of the house. A cellar was present at the back of the house and a brick closet was located in the back yard. Portion of the verandah at the rear had been enclosed and steps led down from the back verandah to the back yard. A photograph of the house in 1978 shows that the place is in relatively good condition with a rendered façade and tiled roof. The verandah retains its original form although tiled. The verandah posts are not original and a low concrete block wall on the front boundary is also a later addition. 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 to high degree of integrity (original intent 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

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