ABC Transmission Station

Condition

GOOD CONDITION

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The building is a fine representative example of the Inter-War Stripped Classical style. The place has landmark value; its heavy masonry shell is a visual contrast to the surrounding landscape, including homesteads and shearing sheds. The place has historic value as tangible evidence of the importance of Wagin as the major administrative and service centre for the district. The place also has historic value as a reminder of the importance of the radio as a communication tool and provider of entertainment prior to the introduction of the more sophisticated communication technology. The place may have scientific value and should be assessed in more detail when considering a development application.

Physical Description

The building is rectangular in plan and set well back from the street alignment in a cleared setting on the north side of the Arthur Road on approach to Wagin. The building is single-storey and built in the Inter-War Stripped Classical style.1 Entrance to the property is through a gate framed by tall heavy masonry piers. The piers are rendered in a style to match the building and contain an inset with wrought iron grills and a circular plaque bearing the name, 'W6A 935'. The walls of the building are rendered masonry built on a brick plinth. The building is functional, in its precise shape and regular fenestration, and symmetrical about a central open portico. The portico is implies a classical portico with its two central columns with fluted shafts that support an unclassical version of an entablature. The roof features a series of lanterns, some vented, metal vents and wide boxed eaves. The fenestration is regularly spaced and vertically proportioned The place comprised a engine room, workshop, pump houses, cooler house overhead water tanks, underground water tanks, and double metal garage.

History

During 1935, work began on the aerial for the radio station 6WA, including a 230m mast and a cooling system. On 25 August 1936, a high wind wrecked the top section of the mast and 210m of it crashed to the ground. On 7 December 1936, 6WA was officially opened and an inaugural program held in the Wagin Town Hall.2 The opening speech of the Postmaster General, Mr McLachlan, was relayed from Canberra. The importance of the station is apparent in the press coverage given to the opening, in the local newspaper: The place that this new Station, which is recognised to be the most powerful in the Southern Hemisphere - plays in our national life is fully appreciated by those who reside in country districts, and particularly those who are separated from the city of Perth, where all but two of our West Australian broadcasting stations exist, by the long length of the Darling Ranges. Work was first commenced on the site on May 28th. 1935, when the preliminary work of marking the foundations etc., was carried out. Since that time, the work on the new Station has been pursued with the best speed compatible with the great care needed on such an intricate and elaborate construction.3 A description of the site was also provided in the local newspaper: Viewed from the Main Wagin Road, the completed Station presents a substantial edifice to modern engineering skill and careful lay-out. Two massive gate-posts, upon which the monogram of the new Station. "6WA", is lettered, guard the sweep of gravel which leads to the main entrance. Two carved pillars help to support the porch which abuts from the main entrance, and lends an air of solidity to the whole construction. Looming at the rear of the main building is the towering 650 feet Mast, surmounted by its queer shaped umbrella-like top, the actual size of which is quite misleading when viewed from the ground.4 In 1957, 6WA became the most powerful in Australia with the addition of a new 50 kw transmitter which made its output five times as great as previously. The cost of the new equipment was £50 000 and the building alterations amounted to £1 500.5 The more powerful transmitter made a great difference to people's lives in the country areas of Western Australia. During its construction, it had a large impact on the local community as it provided additional work for locals and an increase in social activities.6 In 1996, the site is no longer used.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: Inspection Restricted to the Exterior AUTHENTICITY High

Condition

Good

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Federal Hotel (fmr) Wagin

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Federal Hotel is a fine example of the Federation Filigree style common in the Australian pub tradition as a two-storey hotel with verandahs, located on a prominent street corner. The building is an important element of the streetscape of Tudhoe and Tudor streets, enhanced by the verandah and balcony which extend over the pavement. The building is a landmark in Wagin and forms a vista at the northern end of Tudor Street. The place is aesthetically linked with the Palace Hotel on the opposite comer on the east side of the railway line, and Moran's Wagin Hotel facing the railway line on the west side, with its parapet and verandahs that extend over the pavement. The place has historic value as a demonstration ot the development that occurred in Wagin around the turn-of-thecentury as it became the service centre of the district.

Physical Description

Federal Hotel is atwo-storey building in Federation F l gree style.1 The building is located at the building line on the north side of Tudhoe street at the intersection of Tudhoe and Tudor streets. The building extends the width of the street block from Tudor to Traverse street. The hotel addresses Tudhoe street with secondary entrances off Tudor and Traverse streets. The building forms a v sta at the northern end of Tudor Street. The building is truncated at each street corner. The w£lls are in tuck-pointed coursed stonework with tuck-pointed brick quoins and constructed on a rendered base. The rear wall is laid in stretcher bond and the walls under the sill mouldings on the street elevations are now painted. The exterior of the building features a rendered parapet that extends the length of the three street elevations. The parapet is adorned with a series of pediments with; slender projections with pinnacles. The central pediment facing Tudhoe Street bears the name of building. Before the facade of the original building was rebuilt, the parapet of the addition was at a higher level than the cne on the original building. A paved verandah and a timber balcony, that extends over the footpath, wraps three sides of the building. The balcony is covered with a bullnosed shaped roof covered in cgi. The balcony and balcony roof are supported on paired, stop-chamfered timber posts with decorative timber brackets. The posts are regularly spaced which divide the facades into bars. Originally, the posts featured capitals. A timber frieze with vertical timber members adorns the underside of the balcony. The balustrading on the balcony is highly decorative. The verandah soffit is lined with ripple-iron and the balcony soffit is lined with cgi. The openings on the exterior walls are flat arched windows with double-hung sashes with single panes. French doors, with clear glass fanlights, open on to the balcony. The Traverse Street elevation features a recessed arched entry featuring a leaded and stained glass fanlight. The Tudhoe Street elevation has three shopfronts on the ground floor level. The shopfronts are timber framed with a recessed entry. The ceilings are pressed metal. Only the corner shop is in use. The interior of the building comprises bar facilities on the ground floor level and accommodation on the upper level. Fibro-cement lined additions with louvred windows and single-storey brick additions extend the rear. The rear balcony has been infilled with a fibro-cement balustrade. Further additions in lighter coloured brickwork laid in stretcher bond extend the Traverse Street elevation. New brick walls screen the toilet entries. A motel, a single-storey brick building, has been constructed behind the hotel.

History

The Federal Hotel was built during 1895-96, by Mr Mitchell, and leased by H. W. Spragge. There was accommodation for twenty people, including special accommodation for ladies. There was a wagonette and horses for the use of visitors.2 For a time the hotel closed down as there were difficulties in gaining a liquor licence. The unoccupied dining room was subsequently used by the Wagin school as a classroom.3 The Federal Hotel was occupied by both the C. A. Piesse and Boddington families until their homes were built. Renovations were made to the hotel in 1906, by Bell and Holman to improve facilities.4 In 1912, the Southern Argus, when reporting on the building trade in Wagin, noted: Mr McCracken is demolishing a substantial brick and stone structure, being the old portion of the Federal Hotel, which only a few years ago was thought good enough for all time. When this hostelry has been completed it will extend with a magnificent two-storey frontage, the full distance from Tudor to Traverse St., and will be one of the largest outside of the metropolis. The cost of this will probably exceed £5,000.5 In 1918, E. J. Saunders became the new licensee of the hotel. The building was sold in 1919, on behalf of W. A. Trustees, as administrators of the estate of A. H. McKenzie to Butterick and Dale. It was taken over in 1921, by Mr Kynaston.6 The hotel's rooftop was originally adorned with rows of cement domes which were removed in the 1960s, to lower the cost of repainting.7 The hotel was sold to Automotive Investment Ltd for £25,000 in 1962.8

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High AUTHENTICITY: Moderate

Condition

Good

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Wagin Post Office

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place is a fine example of Federation Arts and Craft style domestic in scale. Although of a standard post office design, the building makes and important contribution to the streetscape of Tudhoe and Traverse streets for its richly modelled facade and use of lightly coloured joinery which contrasts with the brickwork creating visual interest. The place has historic value for its association with Government Architect, Hillson Beasley.

Physical Description

PHYSICAL EVIDENCE The building is a single-storey structure in the Federation Arts & Craft style.1 The style was common for post office buildings throughout Western Australia built around the turn-of-the-century, particularly those designed by Hillson Beasley, Government Architect (1906-1917). The building is built to the building line of Tudhoe and Traverse streets in a domestic scale. The building addresses both streets with its principal facade to Tudhoe Street. The exterior walls are in brickwork laid in english bond with dark headers and modelled. The exterior wall of the Traverse Street wall has stonework to window sill height. The building is simple in design and domestic in scale with richly modelled street elevations. The building is of traditional masonry and timber construction built on a stone plinth. The tile covered roof forms a dominant element, with its medium pitch, vented gablet, bracketed eaves, and a louvred lantern with a domed roof capped with a weather vane. The main entry to the post office is via two, well proportioned corner porticoes, one at each end of the principal facade. These porticoes dominate the facade in size and detail. The porticoes each contain an elevated porch and have two large semi-circular archways supported by a corner brick column. The archways have pronounced rendered keystones and a rendered course at the top of the walls. The centre of the Tudhoe Street facade has a large, recessed, semi-circular arched window with a semi-circular arched sash divided into six panes. The upper sashes are further divided into smaller panes with slim glazing bars. The centre of the window features a triangular pediment supported by brackets. The archway and the two slit windows either side of this central window have rendered pronounced keystones. The two slit windows have rendered sills. All other openings are separated by brick pilasters. The windows have double-hung sashes with rendered, pronounced keystones and string course. A rendered band at the top of the walls extends around the building. The joinery is painted a light colour which contrasts with the red brick walls. PLBs have been added to the porches and the building has been extended at the rear along the Traverse Street wall.

History

Until 1890, Wagin's nearest Post Office was in Arthur River. The Government had earlier begun a mail run in 1869, using 40 horses along the Perth to Albany Road accompanied by the mail coach. In 1893, in recognition of Wagin's growing importance, a post and telegraph office was built of blue stone. The building was opened on 3 August and was the first post office in Wagin. The building was built by contractor, James Mackie at a cost of £1 084 - £100 for the land and £984 for the building . The building was constructed to the designs of government architect George Temple-Poole.2 The need for a larger post office was raised in 1910.3 In May 1912, construction of the present post office building was commenced by T. P. Menzies, as a result of a tender submitted of £2,596. The architect was Hillson Beasley and is one of a standard design built through the south-west of Western Australia.4 in August 1912, the Southern Argus noted that the, "foundations of the new post and telegraph offices have been laid Here there will be another expenditure of £2,500H.5 On the adjoining site is the earlier post office now converted to quarters. This building was built on the site of a former Piesse Bros. Stores. In 1996, the building continues to be used as a Post Office.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High AUTHENTICITY: High

Condition

Good

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Moran's Wagin Hotel

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Moran's Wagin Hotel is a fine example of the Federation Filigree style common in the Australian pub tradition as a two-storey hotel with verandahs, located on a prominent street corner. The building is an important element in the streetscape of Tudor and Tavistock streets, enhanced by the verandah and balcony which extend over the pavement. The place is aesthetically linked with the Federal Hotel facing the railway line on the west side, and Palace Hotel on the opposite corner to the Federal Hotel on the east side of the railway line, with its parapet and verandahs that extend over the pavement. The place has historic value as the first hotel site in Wagin. The place is a demonstration of the development that occurred in Wagin around the turn-of-the-century as it became the service centre of the district. The place has historic value for its association with James Moran who is believed to have held a licence for a single hotel for the longest period in Australia.

Physical Description

Moran's Wagin Hotel is a two-storey building in Federation Filigree style.1 The hotel is at the building line on the corner of Tudor and Tavistock streets. The hotel adcfresses both streets with a recessed entrance off both streets and a main entrance at the building's truncation. The walls are in pointed coursed stonework on a rendered base with rendered quoins and rendered, decorative sill mouldings and reveals. The exterior of the building features a rendered and decorative parapet with classical motifs that extends the length of the Tudor Street facade and the building's truncation. The parapet has a semi-circular arched pediment the centre of the building's truncation which highlights the entrance. The pediment and the parapet both bear the name of the building. A concrete verandah and a timber balcony extend over the footpath and wrap the street facades. The balcony is covered with a bullnosed shaped roof covered in cgi. The balcony and balcony roof are supported on fine, stop-chamfered timber posts with capitals and decorative timber brackets. The posts are regularly spaced and divide the facades into bays. The simple balustrade on the balcony comprises vertical timber members. The verandah soffit is lined with ripple-iron. The verandah was originally covered with a bullnosed roof covered with cgi painted in alternate coloured stripes. The verandah roof featured decorative curved friezes, no longer extant. The original balcony only protected the recesses on the Tudor and Tavistock Street walls, which are extant. The new balcony sits forward of the building line and directly above the verandah. The openings on the exterior walls are curved arched heads with curved double-hung window sashes with single panes. The entrance off the street elevations feature coloured and patterned glass. The entrance at the truncation features etched glass. The Tudor Street facade accommodates two shop on the ground floor level. The shopfronts are timber framed, the windows now overpainted. The shops are vacant. A timber ledge outside the Saloon Bar on the exterior wall on the Tavistock facade was probably to accommodate patrons. The interior of the building comprises bar facilities on the ground floor level and accommodation on the upper level The ground floor level includes two bars, a dining room and a lounge room. The upper level includes 20 rooms with separate toilet facilities, and a lounge. The interior features a wide hallway off Tudor Street with a carved timber stair. A large skylight lights the stairwell and a smaller skylight lights the upper level hallway. The interior has timber floors throughout, now covered, and arches on decorative scrolls with pronounced key stones, ceiling roses, decorative timber skirting boards, decorative timber joinery with gable end decorative features, and embossed plaster linings to dado height. Fireplaces have decorative mantles. The finishes in the front bar have been altered to include new ceilings, new linoleum floor coverings, a new dado comprising vertical timber boards, decorative timber shelves behind the bar, and new linings on the bar. The western end of the verandah on the Tavistock Street facade has been enclosed, and new toilets off the ground floor lounge have been added.

History

The original Wagin Hotel was built by James Spratt in 1889, which he demolished to build the two-storey structure that stands today. This hotel was the first built in Wagin. The new two-storey hotel was built c. 1900. The hotel was leased to Arthur Tunney (Tunney's name featured on the hotel facade) and later leased to J. C. Akers until 19212 An article in the Southern Argus, reporting on the activities of the Wagin Licensing Court in December 1912, notes additions that were required by the Hotel: An order was made [to the licensee of the Wagin Hotel, Mr Akers] for the addition of 12 bedrooms of the standard size, and a large and commodious smokeroom, together with two water closets for females and two for males upstairs, and the institution of a septic tank, also two additional bathrooms, the plans to be submitted to the Court as soon as possible. In the meantime the license would be renewed for three months.3 The first church services of Roman Catholic and Church of England were held in the Wagin Hotel. In September 1921, the hotel was taken over by James Moran who arrived in Wagin from the Coolgardie Goldfields after World War I. Moran held the licence until his death in July 1967. It is believed that he held the licence for a single hotel for the longest period in Australia.4 Since 1967, the family have continued to run the hotel. The central cast iron pillar from Piesse's store was removed when part of Piesse's building was demolished in 1976, and now is in the middle of the dining room of the Wagin Hotel.5

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High AUTHENTICITY: High

Condition

Good

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Wagin Town Hall

Condition

The present condition of Wagin Town Hall is generally fair. Substantial works have taken place in recent times including roof replacement, extensive drainage and comprehensive rising damp works, but a number of issues still require attention.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place is a fine representative example of the Inter-WarFree Classical style. With its modelled brick facade treatment with classical elements and rendered work, the building has prominence in the Tudor and Tavistock streetscapes. The place is a demonstration of the continued development that occurred in Wagin as it became the service centre of the district.

Physical Description

The Town Hall, comprising the former lesser hall (old Agricultural Hall) and the former town hall, are on the corner of Tudor & Tavistock streets. The former lesser hall once accommodated the municipal chambers. The principal facade of both halls is on Tudor Street. From the exterior little physical evidence remains of the old Agricultural Hall. The original hall was constructed of stone walls with a steeply-pitched gable red. The gable wall was decoratively treated with a cement coping, rendered finial and windows with rendered surround and reveals. The place, comprising the former lesser and town halls, is now treated to appear as a single entity and is in the Inter-War Free Classical style.1 The walls are brickwork laid in stretcher bond on a rendered plinth with brick quoining. The walls extend to form a parapet that wraps the street elevations. A parapet, with a perforated geometric pattern to some sections, runs the length of the building. The facade is richly modelled with the Tudor Street facade divided into two bays. The former lesser hall stands forward of the town hall. The town hall has a breakfront emphasising the entrance. Features of the building include the patterned brickwork quoining that projects forward of the building face, and the embellished walls with a few exaggerated classical elements. The main feature of the building is the formal entrances, two on the east wall and two on the south. The entrances are distinguished by the use of rendering. The entrance to the town hall is through a porch which features a classical entablature that bears the name of the building, 'Wagin Town Hall' and the date of construction. Dentils run the length of the underside of the cornice. The entablature is supported by two doric columns either side of the entrance. The interior of the porch is tiled with rendered walls. The entrance to the former municipal chambers is under a heavy triangular pediment supported by decorative scrolls. The pediment is decorated with dentils. The entrance bears the former name of the building, 'Municipal Chambers'. The entrances off Tavistock Street are similarly treated. Each entry is crowned by a vestigial pediment. The fenestration has wide timber joinery which has been highlighted with a light paint colour. The windows comprise predominantly double-hung sashes divided into smaller panes with slim glazing bars. The exterior also features rendered sills, and to some openings, rendered lintels and reveals. The lower sashes of some windows contain textured glass. The north and rear walls of the town hall is supported by engaged brick piers. A window at the top of the wall is in between each pier. The brickwork is laid in stretcher bond with dark headers at the corners of the building and to the engaged piers. The rear wall has a loading bar and a small addition clad in cgi with a lean-to roof. Brick toilet blocks have been built at the rear of the site.

History

What is known as the Lesser Hall is the old Agricultural Hall which is believed to have opened in 1896, and which served the function of town hall and office from 1909.2 In 1905, tenders were called for additions and alterations to the hall by architect, George Johnston of Albany.3 In 1928, a new town hall was added to the lesser hall. Prior to 1928, the area where the Mayor's parlour, council chambers, municipal offices and town hall now stand was vacant land where open air pictures were screened. On 7 May 1928, the foundation stone was laid by Sydney Stubbs MLA for the new town hall. The ceremony was recorded by the Wagin Argus: The work of constructing the new town hall is well advanced.... The new hall will be capable of seating over 600, with a first class stege for travelling companies Provision has been made for cloak rooms, crush hall and ticket office, dressing rooms, lesser hall, library and reading room, Council Chambers, Town Clerk's office, public offices and strong room. When finished, the new building for public convenience, for municipal purposes, will compare with any set of municipal buildings outside the cities of Perth, Fremantle and Kalgoorlie. As the centre of a very wealthy and rapidly growing district, whose future is great, the action of the local Council in arranging for the erection of such buildings is wise and commendable.4 In 1929, the new town hall was completed and the Council took occupation. The contractor was G. D. Stone and the architects were R. and E. Summerhayes. It is still used for many of the more formal occasions and events of Wagin's community life.5 On 26 January 1930, the Lady Mayoress, Mrs Hill, declared open the ladies restroom at the rear of the town hall. The ladies restroom is still extant. In 1937, an infant care centre was opened and operated in rooms at the rear of the town hall. The building is still used for many of the more formal occasions and events of Wagin's community life.6 The Town Hall was used to screen films in 19823 until the Power House was used as an alternative venue.7

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High AUTHENTICITY: High

Condition

Good

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Hitching Post outside National Bank

Parent Place or Precinct

02638 National Bank, Wagin

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The hitching post has rarity value as the last surviving structure of its type in Wagin. The hitching post contributes to the community's sense of place, providing a tangible link to a way-of-transportation that is no longer practised.

Physical Description

The hitching posts stands on the footpath close to the curb outside the National Bank in Tudor Street. The moulded iron structure is about one metre tall with a conical top with two iron rings, one either side. Rosettes decorate the shaft under the rings. The post is now over painted which is peeling in parts. Overall, the post is in good condition.

History

This is the only remaining hitching post of the many once found on Wagin's streets. Next to the posts there were usually drinking troughs for the horses. This post has been in place since 1902, and survived the removal of others in the 1950s, due to community pressure to have one post left as a reminder of the past.1

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High AUTHENTICITY: High

Condition

Good

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National Bank, Wagin

Child Places

• 02636 Hitching Post outside National Bank

Condition

The place is in good condition having been in constant use since its contruction.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 02636 Hitching Post outside National Bank

Statement of Significance

The building has aesthetic value as a fine example of the Federation Academic Classical style, a style common for civic buildings in Australian towns and cities. The building makes an important contribution to the streetscape of Tudor Street in its grand and massive form. The building has landmark value; its heavy masonry shell is a visual contrast to the surrounding structures.

Physical Description

The building is a two-storey commercial building in the Federation Academic Classical style, sited to the building line of Tudor Street.1 The building expresses authority and wealth by its formal and symmetrical composition and robustness. The exterior walls of the facade are painted tuck-pointed brickwork laid in english bond with painted and rendered pilasters, window sills and plinth. The exterior walls of the side elevations are fair-faced laid in stretcher bond. The facade is articulated into rectangular bays with vertical proportions. The facade is richly moulded with pilasters that appear to support entablatures. A rendered parapet with an Italianate balustrade extends the length of the facade and conceals the roof behind. The facade is symmetrical about a central doorway which is crowned on the upper level with a moulded, triangular pediment decorated with flower motifs. Windows are double-hung sashes with large single panes. The upper floor receives more decoration, the pilasters have ionic capitals and the upper window panes are divided into smaller panes by slim glazing bars. The openings are decorated with hood moulds, curved to the ground floor level and stepped to the upper floor level. The public entrance is in the centre of the facade, the door has been replaced and the floor has been paved. The south-west corner of the building features a verandah and balcony. The balcony is supported by stop-chamfered timber posts with capitals and is decorated with a timber frieze to the underside. The balcony has been enclosed with fibro-cement sheeting and louvred windows. Windows on the side elevations are double-hung sashes with rendered sills. Outbuildings include a fibro-cement lined structure with a hipped roof and a sheet metal clad shed. The date these structures were erected on site is unknown.

History

In March 1912, tenders were called for the erection of new premises for the National Bank at Wagin. The building was described as,"... to be two-storey, of brick and stone, and will be the equal of, if not superior to, that of any financial concern's houses in the provincial towns of the Commonwealth".2 An article in the Southern Argus on the brisk building trade in Wagin notes that, "the two-storey structure for the National Bank, by contractor Wilkinson, in Tudhoe St, is nearing completion, the cost of which will be something like £3,000".3 The opening of the building, in November 1912, was celebrated by a complimentary dinner held at Wagin Hotel, attended by notable Wagin citizens as well as farmers from the district. The head of the National Bank, Mr Mullens, in his toast commented that,"... it needed no words of his to state that his bank had the utmost faith in the Wagin district; that handsome structure which they had just completed down the street spoke more eloquently than words on that point".4 Mullins said that the National Bank had been established in Wagin in 1903, with a very modest building. However, trade had grown with the district and the old building became inadequate: ... hence the recent expenditure of something like £3,000 on the structure that was to-day an ornament to the town, and a monument to the resources of the district. He claimed that Wagin had come to stay, and quoted figures regarding the district's development, laying special stress on the 95,000 acres which is this year under cultivation. The banks would do their share to develop the wonderful resources of the agricultural areas, by as much distribution of money to the farmers as was possible.5 In 1996, the building continues to be used for banking purposes.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High AUTHENTICITY: High

Condition

Good

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Butterick's Building, Wagin

Condition

Overall the building is in fair condition having been in constant use since its construction.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic value as a fine example of the Federation Anglo-Dutch style. The place is a landmark in Wagin and greatly contributes to the streetscape of Tudor Street. The place makes a valued contribution to the visual character of this important streetscape in its continuous verandah cover and parapet. The site is representative of retailing at the turn-of-the-century and is significant for its form and continuity of use. The place has rarity value as Federation Anglo-Dutch style is in danger of being lost in Western Australia.

Physical Description

The two-storey building is built to the building line of Tudor Street for commercial use in the Federation Anglo-Dutch style.1 The two-storey building is a feature of Tudor St'eet with its richly modelled roofline. There are relatively few examples of this style in Australia.2 The walls are in stonework with tuck-pointed brick quoins to the and horizontal bands on the upper level of the facade. The ground floor level has rendered walls and live shop fronts. The facade is intricately moulded and is symmetrical about a central arched entrance. The main feature of the exterior of ihe building is the highly elaborate and picturesque rendered parapet that conceals the roof behind. The parapet features dutch gables, triangular pediments with scrolls and an italianate balustrade. The facade was originally protected by a verandah and a balcony supported by paired timber posts with capitals and decorative friezes, and decorative balustrading. The verandah and balcony are no longer extant. A metal clad awning is suspended at the balcony level, protecting the facade. The date the awning was installed is unknown, but photographic evidence shows the awning existing in 1973. Since 1973, the iron palisade that decorated the roof summit has been removed. The upper level evenly spaced trench doors that originally opened on to the balcony. The doors are now protected by cast iron balconettes. The central arched entrance has a tessellated tiled floor. The hallway has pressed metal ceilings as do the shops. The shopfronts have been altered but retain their layout with recessed entrances.

History

The building is believed to have been constructed in 1905, by the Piesse brothers and that Jack Butterick purchased the building the following year:3 The building comprised a block of offices and small shops in Tudor Street opposite the railway line.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High AUTHENTICITY: High

Condition

Good

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