MARION TERRACE
14-24 BURNETT STREET ST KILDA, PORT PHILLIP CITY
-
Add to tour
You must log in to do that.
-
Share
-
Shortlist place
You must log in to do that.
- Download report
Statement of Significance
Marion Terrace was built in 1883 as an investment for merchant James Roberts. It originally comprised eight terraces; two of the houses have been demolished. The architect is unknown, although Nahum Barnett's name appears as an agent for the owner on the 1899 MMBW drainage plan, suggesting his involvement in the design. Another possible architect is Michael Egan who is linked to another commission for James Roberts.
Marion Terrace is a rendered brick terrace of six houses with a strong French Second Empire influence. It has an unusual pavilion arrangement with two central three-storey towers, surmounted by curved mansard roofs with cast iron cresting. A Dutch gabled pavilion is at one side of the terrace; the matching gable at the other end was demolished along with the two houses. The towers and gabled section display classically inspired stucco ornament including urns, festoons, pediments, niches and string courses. Arched openings display vermiculated keystones.
How is it significant?
Marion Terrace is of architectural and historical significance to the state of Victoria.
Why is it significant?
Marion Terrace is of architectural significance as a unique example in Victoria of a terrace influenced by the French Second Empire style. The terrace displays all the important features of the style with its composition, symmetry, exuberant facade decoration, and prominent mansard roofed towers, flanking pavilions and recessed residences. Marion Terrace is one of a small group of important, highly distinctive terraces in Melbourne including Royal Terrace, Fitzroy; Rochester Terrace, Albert Park; and Canterbury Terrace, East Melbourne.
Marion Terrace is of historical significance for its associations with the 1880s boom in Melbourne. Built as an investment for merchant James Roberts, the terrace also has historical associations with other residents who were prominent players in the boom years including Solomon de Beer and Emmanuel Levy. The flamboyant terrace symbolises the prosperity and confidence of the boom years and illustrates the lifestyle of wealthy Melburnians in the latter decades of the 19th century.
-
-
MARION TERRACE - History
Contextual History:
History of Place:
Marion Terrace was built in 1883 as an investment for merchant James Roberts. It originally comprised eight terraces; two of the houses were demolished presumably in the 1960s when the present block of flats was built. The architect is unknown, although Nahum Barnett's name appears as an agent for the owner on the 1899 MMBW drainage plan, suggesting his involvement in the design. Barnett was eclectic in his designs, so although Marion Terrace cannot be compared stylistically to any of his works, he remains a possibility. (Hubbard and Juhola, 1989 p.10)
Another possible architect is Michael Egan who is linked to another commission for James Roberts. (Hubbard and Juhola, 1989 p.10) Egan was also responsible for the design of the State Government Offices near the old Treasury Building. Such well-known merchants as Emanuel Levy and Solomon De Beer occupied the terraces for many years. (Nigel Lewis & Associates, 1982)
Associated People: Original owner: James Roberts. Tenants: Emanuel Levy, Solomon de Beer;MARION TERRACE - Assessment Against Criteria
a. The historical importance, association with or relationship to Victoria's history of the place or object
Marion Terrace has historical associations with Victoria's 1880s boom. Built for merchant James Roberts, the terrace also has historical associations with other prominent players in the boom years including Solomon de Beer and Emmanuel Levy. The flamboyant terrace symbolises the prosperity and confidence of the boom years and illustrates the lifestyle of wealthy Melburnians in the latter decades of the 19th century.
b. The importance of a place or object in demonstrating rarity or uniqueness
Marion Terrace is a rare example of the French Second Empire style being used in a domestic context.
c. The place or object's potential to educate, illustrate or provide further scientific investigation in relation to Victoria's cultural heritage
d. The importance of a place or object in exhibiting the principal characteristics or the representative nature of a place or object as part of a class or type of places or objects
e. The importance of the place or object in exhibiting good design or aesthetic characteristics and/or in exhibiting a richness, diversity or unusual integration of features
Marion Terrace displays a richness of architectural features associated with the French Second Empire style. The terrace displays all the important features of the style with its composition, its symmetry, exuberant facade decoration, its prominent mansard roofed towers, flanking pavilions and recessed residences. It is one of the most impressive terraces in Melbourne and a landmark in St Kilda.
f. The importance of the place or object in demonstrating or being associated with scientific or technical innovations or achievements
g. The importance of the place or object in demonstrating social or cultural associations
MARION TERRACE - Permit Exemptions
General Conditions:
1. All exempted alterations are to be planned and carried out in a manner which prevents damage to the fabric of the registered place or object.
2. Should it become apparent during further inspection or the carrying out of alterations that original or previously hidden or inaccessible details of the place or object are revealed which relate to the significance of the place or object, then the exemption covering such alteration shall cease and the Executive Director shall be notified as soon as possible.
3. If there is a conservation policy and plan approved by the Executive Director, all works shall be in accordance with it.
4. Nothing in this declaration prevents the Executive Director from amending or rescinding all or any of the permit exemptions.
Nothing in this declaration exempts owners or their agents from the responsibility to seek relevant planning or building permits from the responsible authority where applicable.
Exterior
Minor repairs and maintenance which replace like with like.
Demolition or removal of outbuildings and sheds.
Removal of extraneous items such as, pipe work, ducting, wiring, antennae, aerials etc, and making good.
Installation or repair of damp proofing by either injection method or grouted pocket method.
Regular garden maintenance.
Interior
All interior alterations are permit exempt, excluding removal of remaining original elements such as fireplaces and mantles, cornices, render mouldings, staircases, folding doors between the two ground floor rooms, provided such work has no effect on the exterior of the buildings.MARION TERRACE - Permit Exemption Policy
The purpose of the permit exemptions is to allow works that do not impact on the significance of the place to occur without the need for a permit. These permit exemptions are recognition of the primary significance of the exterior of Marion Terrace, in particular the design and detailing of the front facade. Alterations that impact on the significance of the exterior are subject to permit applications. Alterations to the interiors of individual terraces, excluding works which impact on the exterior of the front facade and removal of remaining original elements, are permit exempt. It is the intention of the permit exemptions to allow works to the interiors of the terraces, while ensuring that the overall structural integrity of Marion Terrace is maintained.
-
-
-
-
-
LINDENVictorian Heritage Register H0213
-
HALCYONVictorian Heritage Register H0775
-
FORMER PRIORY LADIES SCHOOLVictorian Heritage Register H0726
-
'ELAINE'Boroondara City
-
-oonahYarra City
-
..eld HouseYarra City
-
-