Northcote Free Library
185-187 High Street NORTHCOTE, Darebin City
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Statement of Significance
The Northcote Free Library is, externally, a near-original example of an imposing classical revival style building which has been designed as a complement to the Town Hall. It is also one of the few known Carnegie libraries in the State and has served as a public building over a long period.
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Northcote Free Library - Physical Description 1
The design, possibly to Carnegie's dictation, was of a conservative classical revival manner which harmonised, by the repetition of prominent pediments, with the town hall of 1888. The stylised ornament, as seen in the pilaster capitals, the widely spaced triglyphs, and the simple parapet entablature, and the axial open planning of the interior, suggest the influence of the Beaux Arts. The building is single-storey, raised as a high, quarry faced bluestone plinth. The projecting portico has coupled Tuscan columns and is flanked by two pedimented wings set back from the street. Window details, the foliated tympanums, the fenestration colonettes, and the balustrading are all derived from the earlier building. Alterations include the painting of the render the replacement of the entry doors, the absence of the handles from the portico urns and the replacement of the former grassed, rockery enclosed forecourt, by asphalt. The interior has been renovated.
Heritage Study and Grading
Darebin - Darebin Heritage Review
Author: Andrew Ward
Year: 2000
Grading:
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FORMER LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR HOME FOR THE AGEDVictorian Heritage Register H1950
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TERRACE HOUSESVictorian Heritage Register H1774
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FORMER NORTHCOTE THEATREVictorian Heritage Register H2287
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