Two storey shop, 148 Main Street, STAWELL

This property has been reviewed as part of the Stawell Main Street Precinct in 2024, and its heritage category is now Contributory.

The property is Contributory to the precinct.

Text from the 2004 heritage study (number corrected form 150 to 148 Main St): 

The building at 148 Main Street, Stawell, makes a significant contribution to the architectural and visual amenity of the predominantly 19th and early 20th century commercial streetscape. The form and rear sections of the building also contribute to the architectural amenity of the area. Built in 1873 to a design by George Inskip, architect, the two shops with dwelling above were first occupied by B.S. Dawson, chemist. The building appears to be in good condition when viewed from the street.

The building at 148 Main Street is architecturally significant at a LOCAL level. It demonstrates original design qualities of a Victorian style. These qualities include the rectangular parapet with an elaborate moulded and dentillated stringcourse along the base, and the four-bayed composition of segmentally arched timber framed double hung windows with ornate architraves and keystones that punctuate the arched window heads. Other intact or appropriate qualities include the symmetrical composition, two storey height, rendered brick wall construction, narrow stringcourse above the front windows, and the rendered quoinwork. The rear hipped roof forms clad in galvanised corrugated iron painted red, rendered brick wall construction, rendered brick chimneys and the timber framed double hung windows also contribute to the significance of the place.

The building at 148 Main Street is historically significant at a LOCAL level. It is associated with commercial developments in Stawell during the second half of the 19th century. In particular, this building has associations with Benjamin S. Dawson, original owner, Mayor of the Borough of Stawell and chemist who instigated construction in 1873. The building also has associations with the Melbourne and Stawell architect, George Inskip. 

Overall, the building at 148 Main Street is of LOCAL significance.