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Prahran Club, former Prahran Tradesmen's Club

Other Name

Prahran Tradesmen's Club

Location

258-262 High Street WINDSOR, STONNINGTON CITY

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

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258-262 High Street, Windsor
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258-262 High Street, Windsor
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258-262 High Street, Windsor
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258-262 High Street, Windsor
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Prahran Hall
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Prahran Hall

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Prahran Club, formerly the Prahran Tradesmen's Club, at 258-262 High Street, Windsor. The first part of the building, overlooking Hornby Street, was designed by architect Ernest Willis c1911. A new facade to High Street was added in the early 1920s, to a design by architects Sale & Keage.

How is it significant?
The Prahran Club is of local architectural, historical and social significance to the City of Stonnington.

Why is it significant?
Architecturally, the c1911 part of the building is a very unusual and creative example of the Free Classical style, seen in the elongated piers extending above the parapets and their delicate detailing, and the variation of geometric forms among the seven separate parapets. The attention to detail is continued in the 1920s Beaux Arts classical facade by Sale & Keage. (Criterion E)

Historically and socially, for its origins as a private workingmen's club. Such clubs provided an important social space for members of working class communities in Melbourne's industrial inner city. Its community use is continued today by the Prahran Mission. (Criteria A & G)

Historically, for its associations with Ernest Willis. Willis was a Prahran local, who designed a number of local landmark buildings, including the Prahran Mechanics' Institute, Fawkner Mansions - Melbourne's earliest purpose-built flats, and the Prahran Creche. He was also very involved in political and community organisations. He was a member of the Prahran City Council (1908-20), serving as Mayor in 1913-14 and 1918-19. He was also vice-president of the Alfred Hospital board (1925-41), and served on the Tramways Board, the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, and as Secretary of the Prahran branch of the National Party. He was appointed an OBE as a leader of patriotic movements in Victoria in 1920. (Criterion H)

Group