Kitchener House, (original wing)
285 Ryrie Street, GEELONG VIC 3220 - Property No 217740
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Statement of Significance
C Listed - Local Significance
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
Architecturally, this large complex is one of the early modern approaches to nursing homes, is near externally intact and is a good example of the Neo-Georgian or Georgian revival so popular in the late 1920-5, as executed by the renowned and prolific Melbourne architects, A & K Henderson firms designer John Freeman.
It also retains an axial relationship with the administrative section of the remaining contemporary section of the hospital complex opposite. Historically, like the original Kitchener Memorial Hospital Kitchener House was the focus of numerous fundraising projects including the annual Geelong Gala Day in the late 1920-5. As such its construction achieved a high public profile and much of its construction cost was met by the people of Geelong. Today it remains, externally, close to when it was built and is a lasting reminder of the sacrifices of the Geelong community during the World Depression.
When completed it was heralded by the Geelong Advertiser as among the best of its kind in country and remained a symbol of local pride.
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Kitchener House, (original wing) - Physical Description 1
Planned on axis with the Kitchener Memorial Hospital opposite, Kitchener House was planned on an E-shape to achieve maximum natural light penetration. Two-storeys and faced in patterned brickwork, the main architectural treatment focuses on the arcaded entry porch and trabeated balcony above, all carried out in the Georgian revival style, then particularly favoured for large government projects, (see E Evan Smiths, Victorian Police Depot, St. Kilda Road, 1927). The hipped roof form, a Georgian fanlight, six-pane double-hung window sashes and chaste application of wrought-iron, combined with a symmetrical garden layout, accentuate this Georgian character.
The Ryrie Street fence and entry are intact and notable, for the era.
Heritage Study and Grading
Greater Geelong - Geelong City Urban Conservation Study, Volumes 2-5
Author: Graeme Butler
Year: 1991
Grading:
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FORMER GEELONG WOOL EXCHANGEVictorian Heritage Register H0622
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FORMER SCOTTISH CHIEFS HOTELVictorian Heritage Register H0662
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CORIO VILLAVictorian Heritage Register H0193
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