Mechanics Institute, 7 Inkerman Street, ST ARNAUD

The Mechanics Institute building is architecturally significant at a LOCAL level. It demonstrates original design qualities of a Victorian Romanesque style. These qualities include the central gable and the two flanking domestically scaled gabled wings that have projecting concave verandahs. Other intact qualities include the single storey scale, unpainted brick wall construction, unpainted and lapped galvanised corrugated iron roof cladding, modest eaves, unpainted and corbelled brick chimney, unpainted brick vestigial pilaster supported the projecting gable, simple brick stringcourse, oculus ventilator, round arched window and door openings (including the vertical boarded doors with fanlight above), timber framed two paned double hung windows, panelled timber doors, and the cast iron verandah valances and brackets.The verandah columns appear to be introduced but appropriate.

The Mechanics Institute building and site are historically significant at a LOCAL level. They are associated with the development of the St. Arnaud Mechanics Institute for over 100 years from 1867, and particularly from this building and site from 1880-82 until the 1980s.

The Mechanics Institute building is socially significant at a LOCAL level. Although no longer functioning as a Mechanics Institute, it is still recognised for its past purpose as a literary and cultural centre in the St. Arnaud township.

Overall, the Mechanics Institute building,7 Inkerman Street, St. Arnaud, is of LOCAL significance.

Group

Manufacturing and Processing

Category

Vehicle Manufacturing & Servicing