Reckitt & Colman Building Facade, 21-29 Cliff Street, FREMANTLE, WA, 6160

DESCRIPTION

Heritage TitleReckitt & Colman Building FacadeAddressCliff Street, 21-29 Fremantle WA 6160Heritage Place No855Location Description Other NamesLiebler BldgLionel Samson & SonConstruction Commenced1882Construction MaterialWall – BRICK: Rendered BrickWall – STONE: LimestoneStatement Of SignificanceHistorically significant for associations with the Samson family. The facade contributes to the highly intact streetscape of Federation Free classical buildings. Rare example of a structure originally constructed as a façade. The place is of social significance as evidenced by its classification by the National Trust.ConditionFair.HistoryCliff St in the 1850s was a busy thoroughfare connecting the sea front jetty with the river. Many businesses were located along the route. The street was paved in 1858 with hand-tolled Yorkshire flagstones by sappers of the Royal Engineers. The job was completed by private contract after the sappers were needed elsewhere. Apparently, convicts were not skilled enough for the job. To meet the expense, dog licences, poundage fees and fines were raised by the Town Trust. The Liebler Building façade is part of former buildings of Lionel Samson and Co, the oldest existing firm of merchants in the state. Lots 7 & 8 Cliff St were owned by John Lewis in 1880, as mixed commercial and residential use. New owners in 1881 were Mason and Liebler, and rates records refer to new buildings incomplete on Lot 8, and a house, occupied by Mason and Liebler. Lot 7 has a shop. In 1882 the ownership changes to Mason and Samson and remains thus until 1890 when owners are entered as Elias Solomon and Lionel Samson. At some time between 1890 and 1895 a facade was constructed in front of stone cottages already on the site. The cottages were demolished in 1967 but the facade was retained. The facade was classified by the National Trust in 1974. In 1980 the southern wing of the facade was demolished. Physical DescriptionSingle storey façade only intact, has a zero setback from the pavement. The façade features arched openings (blocked) from engaged pilasters and a decorative parapet with highly decorative pediments.AssociationLionel Samson & CoPlace UseOriginal Use – COMMERCIAL: Office or Administration BldgPresent Use – OTHER: OtherPlace TypeIndividual Building or GroupHistoric ThemeOCCUPATIONS - Commercial & service industriesState RegisteredYes

Statutory Heritage Areas

Statutory Heritage Area CustodianHeritage Council of WAStatutory Heritage Area West End Heritage AreaHeritage Area StatusState RegisteredHeritage Area InHerit Number25225Statutory Heritage Area Date18/07/2017

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

Non-Statutory Listings and Surveys

Non-statutory Listings CustodianCity of FremantleNon-statutory Listings TypeMunicipal InventoryNon-statutory Listings Grading18/09/2000Non-statutory Listings DateLevel 2

Non-Statutory Listings and Surveys

Non-statutory Listings CustodianNational Trust of Australia (WA)Non-statutory Listings TypeList of Classified PlacesNon-statutory Listings GradingClassifiedNon-statutory Listings Date28/10/1974

PARENT PLACE

Parent Place No22576

SuburbFremantleStreetCliff StreetCollectionHeritage Place Records