HOUSE, 63 WRAY AVENUE

Statement of Significance

House, 62 Wray Avenue, is a typical rendered masonry and iron single storey house dating from 1923/24. 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

63 Wray Avenue is a single storey, rendered brick and iron house with a symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture. The walls are rendered brick. The roof is hipped and clad with corrugated iron. The front elevation has a central front door flanked on either side by replacement timber framed windows. The verandah has a continuous corrugated iron roof and is supported by timber posts with brackets. There is a rendered masonry timber picket fence to the front boundary line.

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. 63 Wray Avenue was built in 1923/24 for the owner and occupant, James Stevens, a Fremantle Councillor between 1905 and 1943. Stevens was born in Victoria in 1867 and arrived in Western Australia in c.1898. He worked as an accountant for butchers, J & L Baker, who had a shop on the corner of South Street and Hampton Road. James Stevens subsequently established his own business as a land and house agent. As a councillor, Stevens served on numerous committees and most notably moved that Fremantle become a city. Stevens lived at the house with his wife, Jane Cleveland Stevens until her death in 1926 at the age of 61. James lived on at the house until 1943 when he died aged 76. A relative, Margaret Walker Steven owned and occupied the cottage until at least 1952. 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") At this time the house was photographed and the rendered house is shown to be in good condition with a corrugated iron roof. The original front windows have been replaced with aluminium windows although the front door appears to be original. The verandah supports and the brick wall on the front boundary are not original. In 1985, the city of Fremantle received an application to establish a medical practice at the premises. This application was refused. Information received at this time shows that a garage and shed was located at the rear of the property. It was also planned that architect Brian Klopper would restore the front verandah of the house at this time.

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