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SHOP
Location51 FLETCHER STREET, ESSENDON, MOONEE VALLEY CITY LevelIncluded in Heritage Overlay |
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Statement of Significance
What is significant? The shop-residence is a two-storey building, constructed in a terrace
form with front and side walls built to the boundaries and the roof
concealed behind a balustrade parapet. The first-floor facade is
constructed of Flemish bond brick walls with unpainted cement-render
dressings and two round-arched windows. The building retains an
original timber shopfront with deep splayed entrance and extensive
glazing below highlight windows.
How is it significant?
Why is it significant? It is historically significant as a tangible illustration of the
early commercial development of the Fletcher and Napier streets area
of Essendon, which was Essendon's main commercial centre until
challenged by Rose Street in the 1910s. (Criterion A) It is also of historic interest for its association with Essendon
"pioneer" Robert G Cook, who was responsible for its construction.
The shop-residence at 51 Fletcher Street, Essendon, is
significant. It was built c1887-89 when owned by Essendon
"pioneer" Robert G Cook. Cook spent some time working as a
speculator and builder, so may have constructed the building himself.
He and his wife resided in Essendon from the mid-1850s until their
deaths in the 1930s.
The shop is of local architectural and historical significance to
the City of Moonee Valley.
It is architecturally significant as a representative and intact
example of a late Victorian commercial building in the typical
parapeted terrace form, retaining unpainted render dressings. It is
rare in Essendon and Moonee Valley for the survival of its timber
shopfront, which is particularly fine in its surviving detailing and
generous proportions. (Criteria D & B)
Group
Retail and Wholesale
Category
Shop