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RESIDENCES

Location

77-79 GREY STREET ST KILDA, PORT PHILLIP CITY

File Number

606799

Level

Registered

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RESIDENCES SOHE 2008
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1 residences 77 79 grey street
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h00796 plan h0796

Statement of Significance

These adjoining two storey residences were erected c 1892 for the wine merchant Gavan Shaw who resided in the adjoining mansion (now 73-75 Grey Street). At that stage Grey Street, comprising the St Kilda Hill, was highly regarded by the well-to-do citizens of Melbourne as a place to live. The front elevation is symmetrical and revealing of design elements associated with Edwardian period and Queen Anne Revival buildings, of which this building is an early progenitor in Melbourne.

A central red brick bay with arched opening protrudes. A steep-sided gable over dominates the composition. Heavy pilasters and string courses divide this gable into panels which individually display incised sunray decoration, festoons, chequerboard tiling and plain red brickwork.

Spherical elements terminate the pilasters above the gable. Flanking balconies display cast iron valencing of Greek frieze pattern and a steep roof features red brick chimneys. The red brick and cast iron fence is still intact. The interior and rear section of the building is substantially intact. The building contains many original features including ceiling roses, leadlight, unpainted brick and woodwork and staircases.

The residences at 77-79 Grey Street are of architectural and historical importance for the following reasons:

- as an intact terraced townhouse pair which is unusual in its decorative elements and overall design - for the quality of workmanship and design in its various elements;

- as an early progenitor of Queen Anne Revival style in a Melbourne residential building.

Group