John Matthew Smith's house, former shops & residences, 233-237 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Graeme Butler and Associates01/07/1989
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Total copies: 1
Title:
John Matthew Smith's house, former shops & residences, 233-237 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
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Date of work:
01/07/1989
Reference number:
BIF-CITY 105694
Level of description:
Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
Type of materials:
Graphic materialsTextual material
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Series: Central City (BIF-CITY)
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UnrestrictedOpen access.
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UnrestrictedPlease contact City of Melbourne Libraries about obtaining permission to reproduce images.
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RESEARCH ADDED BY GRAEME BUTLER 2022:__________________________________________________Period: 1876-1899DATE: 1884;ASSOCIATIONS: Smith, John Matthew;DESIGNER: Webb, Charles;BUILDER: Mitchell, David.GRAEME BUTLER 1989, LITTLE BOURKE STREET PRECINCT CONSERVATION STUDYStatement of SignificanceHouse, former Shop and Residence, 233-237 Lonsdale StreetHistoryBuilt: 1884-John M. Smith commissioned two renowned firms to create what was described as 'a two-storey house on the corner or TattersaJl's Lane’. The architect was Charles Webb, the year 1884, and the builder David Mitchell. 6 Rate books describe a brick shop owned by Smith in 'course of erection' in 1881 and a six-room brick house already existed next door (235-237). By 1885 the brick shop had risen in value and the 'house' gained two rooms: the lot sizes and descriptions match the present pair and general reconstruction or renovated to Webb's design is assumed. 1Dr. Robcrt Stirling occupied the house and Thomas Jackson continued in the shop. They were both listed as brick shops by the 1890s. 2 Meanwhile, John Smith had died and Jackson assumed ownership sometime in the period c1900-1905. 3By the 1920s Patrick and Henry Conlan had purchased the shops while William Ramsay & Co., also surgical instrument makers, occupied both shops. This continued until the mid-1930s when a dominantly Greek occupancy commenced. A Greek Club was in 233, C. Theodore & Son and Stafas & Jenos (both hairdressing firms) were in 235-237.4 By 1950 the Parthenon Club, Mrs. Lucas (ground floor tearooms) and A. Kavadis (upstairs cafe) were at 233 and R.L. Dawson (antiques) and Stafos were in 235-237. Norman Brown continued to lease a store at the rear of 235-7. 5The move away from medical-related uses in this building parallels with the decentralization of Melbourne hospitals, started in the late 1930s (Jessie McPherson Community Hospital, 1933; now Royal Melbourne Hospital, 1944 (now Prince Henry's, 1934).Today the buildings' upper levels have been long associated with a Chinese restaurant, particularly given the extensive neon sign there.DescriptionPresumably the 1884 facade is what is visible today and although 235-237 appears to be a shop and residence like 233, the Mahlstedt's cl906 plan shows a more domestic ground-level subdivision than its neighbour.The balustraded parapet, segment-arched raised entablatures and surmounting acroterion are all typical of Webb's work (see 92-96 Hotham Street. East Melbourne, 188]).Other more typical elements include the cornice, impost and paneled plinth moulding, at the first level.External IntegrityIntrusive signs attached at the upper level, new canopy and shop fronts.StreetscapePart of a 19th century commercial streetscape.SignificanceDesigned by the noted architect, Charles Webb, the row is nevertheless architecturally undistinguished, particularly given its altered state, but it is part of a 19th century commercial streetscape.Historically it has had associations with both the medical occupation of the precinct and that of the Greeks in the 1930s. Neither of these occupancies is obvious externally.Contributes to precinct.GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYBUILDING IDENTIFICATION FORM.GRAEME BUTLER 1989, LITTLE BOURKE STREET PRECINCT CONSERVATION STUDYBUILDING IDENTIFICATION FORM cites references6 BA939. 18/6/84 CITY OF MELBOURNE BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS (BA);1 RB1885, 739-80; RB1882,773-4 Municipal rate books [RB];2 RB1895,689-90;3 RB1905, 618·9; RB1900. 644-54 D1932, D1939; (DIRECTORIES OF VICTORIA, MELBOURNE-SANDS & MCDOUGALL )5 RB1950,589.VICTORIAN HERITAGE INVENTORY H7822-13341866 - building on site. 1881- 6 room brick house at 235-237 & brick shop under construction. Owner: John M Smith. Partly reconstructed c.1885, by the 1890s listed as 2 brick shops. Initially occupied by uses related to the medical profession, doctor & surgical instrument maker. After decentralisation of the Melbourne Hospital from the 1930s a predominantly Greek occupation commenced..VICTORIA HERITAGE DATABASEhttps://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/9249.LEWIS, M- AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTURE INDEX:Record 76315 Webb, C; Smith, J M Melbourne VIC Houses Mitchell, David 1884 06 18 939 MCC registration no 939 [Burchett Index]. Fee 1.15.0two-storey house, Lonsdale near cnr Lonsdale east & Tattersall's Lane
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1250052
| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 105694 | 1 JPEG : 280 KB ; A4 | Single Item (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |