William Street, 23-25, Fremantle WA 6160
DESCRIPTION
Heritage TitleFederal Hotel (fmr)AddressFederal Hotel 23 William Street FREMANTLE WA 6160Geo tag[1] Heritage Place No1018Other NamesRosie Grady'sConstruction Commenced1887Construction MaterialRoof – METAL: Corrugated IronWall – BRICK: Common BrickWall – BRICK: Rendered BrickWall – RENDER: SmoothFormer W.A. Heritage ThemesOCCUPATIONS: Commercial & service industriesOCCUPATIONS: Hospitality industry & tourismStatement Of SignificanceVery significant historically as a hotel built in Fremantle during the gold boom period and still used for its original purpose. The place is a fine example of a Victorian Free Classical building, with elaborate stucco decoration above the ground floor level, that makes a significant contribution to the streetscape. The place is of social significance as evidenced by its classification by the National Trust.ArchaeologyConditionGood.HistoryThe Federal Hotel was built and opened in 1887 by Mr James Herbert Jnr, son of James Herbert. A description of the hotel and its rooms is given in a newspaper article "Inquirer and Commercial News, 1887": 'The building is described as being in the Italian style, built of local stone and bricks, the outside walls and cornices being in Portland cement. Stained glass work by Messrs Barnett Bros.' The hotel was purchased prior to 1901 by Swan Brewery Co Ltd. and was retained until at least 1974, or later. In 1904, architect J. H. Eales was responsible for extensive additions to the Federal Hotel. The western wing extending towards the rear of the premises is even today visibly distinct from that of the original structure. In c1989 the hotel was changed into Rosie O'Grady's. Internal alterations and rebuilding of the two-storey front verandah and repainting of the front facade were carried out in 1995 by Maxwell Cox Architects. Further internal changes were made in 2001. Currently (2013), Rosie O'Grady's, an Irish themed hotel. On file at the Local History Collection: Photos from 1986. Physical DescriptionThree storey prominent rendered brick hotel building, with attached two storey section at rear and a zero setback from the pavement. There is a decorative parapet with low balustrades and a highly decorative central pediment, engaged pilasters with ashlar effect flank the corners of the building. The ground floor and the first floor have verandas with metal lace work frieze onto brackets and columns; the first floor has a bull nosed corrugated iron roof and metal lace work balustrades.Association1904 additions, J. H. EalesGeorge Charles Inskip.J A Herbert jnr.Jordine and RuthvenPlace UseOriginal Use – COMMERCIAL: Hotel, Tavern or InnPresent Use – COMMERCIAL: Hotel, Tavern or InnIntegrity/AuthenticityPlace TypeIndividual Building or Group
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 1B
Non-Statutory Listings and Surveys
Non-statutory Listings CustodianNational TrustNon-statutory Listings TypeClassified by the National TrustNon-statutory Listings Date1/08/1983
Non-Statutory Listings and Surveys
Non-statutory Listings TypeDCCEEWNon-statutory Listings GradingRegister of the National Estate
Non-Statutory Listings and Surveys
Non-statutory Listings TypeHeritage CouncilNon-statutory Listings GradingStatewide Hotel Survey
PARENT PLACE
Parent Place No22577
RELATED
INTERNAL
Heritage EntryYes
William Street, 23-25, Fremantle WA 6160. City of Fremantle Local History Centre, accessed 27/04/2026, https://history.fremantle.wa.gov.au/nodes/view/31571