Little Howard Street, 28, Fremantle WA 6160
DESCRIPTION
Heritage TitleDUPLEX, 28 LITTLE HOWARD STREETAddress28 Little Howard Street FREMANTLE WA 6160Geo tag[1] Heritage Place No21208Location DescriptionStreet Number28Construction Commenced1903Construction MaterialRoof – METAL: Corrugated IronWall – BRICK: Face BrickWall – STONE: LimestoneFormer W.A. Heritage ThemesDEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY: Land allocation & subdivisionStatement Of SignificanceDuplex, 28 & 30 Little Howard Street is a single storey limestone, brick and iron duplex pair dating from c1903. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical building stock located within the residential areas of Fremantle. It is historically significant as a representation of typical workers' houses in the Fremantle area. The place is a simple example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.ArchaeologyConditionCondition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).HistoryThe street was formerly known as Old Cemetery Road, and a continuation of Howard Street, which was named after Lord Edward Howard, grandson of Lord John Russell, British Prime Minister 1842. Duplex 28-30 was formerly 40-42 Little Howard Street; the numbering changed in 1935/36. From the available information this duplex was constructed in 1903 for the owner James Porter. It is possible the duplex was constructed in 1901 as a cottage is recorded as existing on this lot. The records for 1901 to 1903 indicate that only one cottage and one occupant were present compared to the records from 1903 onwards which show the two cottages and two occupants. James Porter was the owner throughout this period. The first occupant of the cottages was Mrs McNan and the other was vacant. The records do not identify which cottage was occupied. In 1903/04, the property was transferred to Irene Clark and 28 Little Howard Street was occupied by Hans Plusckie, a barman. The property was transferred to Irene Gordon in 1907 and she retained the place until c.1974. Irene Clark and Irene Gordon may have been the same person but further research is needed to confirm this. The 1908 sewerage plan of the site shows this brick duplex is replicated in the adjacent properties, which are now 24/26 and 28/30 Little Howard Street. It is probable they were built at the same time. The terraces have front verandahs across the full width of the front façade. On the back property boundary is a brick closet and another small structure. Later owners of 28 Little Howard Street were Lynette and Peter Ferguson; and William O’Brien, A photograph of the duplex in 1979 shows that the building was in good condition. The stone walls with brick quoins were in good condition and the corrugated iron roof and verandah roof were in good condition. The façade of 30 Little Howard Street, facing Brennan Street features three sash windows and was also in good condition. The front verandah had a timber floor and the timber structure appears to be original or an original simple design. 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") In 1996, William O’Brien submitted plans to the City of Fremantle to extend and renovate the property. The rear of the existing building was photographed at this time and shows that an asbestos addition had been constructed at the rear of the building and a bathroom, wc and laundry were separate structures in the back yard. These features were demolished. The nature of the additions and renovations has not been recorded. Physical DescriptionDuplex, 28 & 30 Little Howard Street is a single storey limestone, brick and iron duplex pair with a symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are limestone with brick quoins. The roof is hipped with a dividing parapet wall and clad with corrugated iron. The original brick corbelled chimneys are intact. The front facade to each duplex half has a front door with fanlight and a double hung sash window. The front verandahs are under a separate corrugated iron roof. Both verandah roofs are supported by square timber posts. There is a timber picket to the edge of the verandah which sits on the front boundary line.AssociationPlace UseOriginal Use – RESIDENTIAL: Conjoined residencePresent Use – RESIDENTIAL: Conjoined residenceArchitectural StylesIntegrity/AuthenticityHigh 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).Place TypeIndividual Building or Group
Biographies
Local Government Statutory Heritage Listings
Local Government Statutory Listing CustodianCity of FremantleLocal Government Statutory Listing TypeHeritage ListLocal Government Statutory Listing StatusYesLocal Government Statutory Listing Date8/03/2007
Local Government Non-Statutory Local Heritage Survey
Local Government Non-Statutory Local Heritage Survey CustodianCity of FremantleLocal Government Non-Statutory Local Heritage Survey Date18/09/2000Local Government Non-Statutory Listing Local Heritage Survey Management CategoryLevel 2
RELATED
Little Howard Street, 28, Fremantle WA 6160. City of Fremantle Local History Centre, accessed 10/04/2026, https://history.fremantle.wa.gov.au/nodes/view/29195