29 & 31 Parkhill Road Kew
29 & 31 Parkhill Road KEW, BOROONDARA CITY
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Statement of Significance
What is Significant?
The duplex at 29-31 Parkhill Road, Kew, of c1890, to the extent of its 19th-century fabric. The duplex was constructed as a rental property for owners James and John Griffiths, prominent Kew residents and Melbourne tea merchants. It was leased by renowned football manufacturers, T.W. Sherrin Pty Ltd, for occupation by their leatherworkers for almost thirty years from the time of its completion. The building is two-storey, with polychrome brick walls, a slate hipped roof, narrow eaves and corbelled polychrome brick chimneys. It is set behind a modest front garden.
How is it significant?
The duplex is of local historical and architectural significance to the City of Boroondara.
Why is it significant?
Historically, the duplex is a tangible illustration of the peak of the property boom that took place in Melbourne and its suburbs in the late 1880s, leading to the 1890s depression. In anticipation of dense and rapid suburban development in this part of Kew, the two dwellings were constructed as a compact duplex, a form seen more commonly along Kew's tram routes and in Melbourne's inner suburb. In contrast, the area situated north of Cotham Road and east of Belmont Avenue was very sparsely developed during the 19th century, and developed primarily with large houses and mansions, set well back from the street fronts. (Criterion A)
Architecturally, the duplex is an unusual residential form for this part of Kew, which was characterised by freestanding Victorian villas and mansions. The use of small entry porches, recessed within the building envelope, is also quite rare for a middle suburb like Kew, where Victorian houses generally have generous verandahs appended to the facade. In addition, the duplex is distinguished by its bold polychrome brickwork, particularly details such as the dogtooth frieze in the cornice, the banded voussoirs to the window and door arches, decorative raised aprons of red brick below the window sills, and diaper pattern to the chimneys. (Criteria B & E)
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Heritage Study and Grading
Boroondara - Individual Heritage Citations
Author: City of Boroondara
Year: 2016
Grading:
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SPRINGTHORPE MEMORIAL, BOROONDARA GENERAL CEMETERYVictorian Heritage Register H0522
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ROSS HOUSE (KEW)Victorian Heritage Register H0202
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GENAZZANO FCJ COLLEGEVictorian Heritage Register H1902
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