Residence

The semi-detached house at 89 Swanston Street, Geelong, has significance as part of an intact example of a Victorian styled duplex. Built in 1871-72 for James Kerley, this semi-detached house appears to have experienced some alterations but is in good condition when viewed from the street.

The semi-detached house at 89 Swanston Street is architecturally significant at a LOCAL level. It demonstrates original design qualities of a Victorian style. These qualities include the longitudinal hipped roof form that traverses the site, together with the skillion verandah that project towards the street frontage. Other intact or appropriate qualities include the central dominant rendered masonry chimney, narrow eaves, masonry verandah party wall, galvanised corrugated steel verandah roof cladding, central timber framed doorway and timber framed transom window above, flanking timber framed double hung 4 paned windows with shallow arches, unpainted bluestone wall construction, single storey height, brick framing and quoinwork about the windows and door, and the turned timber verandah columns with timber framed cast iron valances and cast iron brackets. The front timber picket fence also contributes to the significance of the place. The architectural significance of this semi-detached house also relies on the retention of the semi-detached house at 91 Swanston Street.


The semi-detached house at 89 Swanston Street is historically significant at a LOCAL level. It is associated with residential duplex developments in Geelong in the second half of the 19th century. In particular, this house has associations with James Kerley, carrier and original owner who instigated construction in 1871-72.

Overall, the semi-detached house at 89 Swanston Street is of LOCAL significance.

REFERENCES:

Reports and Drainage Plans, Barwon Water profis system, 1922, 1937, 1978, 1985, 1989.
Sands & McDougall's Directory of Geelong, 1972, Geelong Historical Records Centre.
Sands & McDougall's "Invicta" Geelong Directory,1968, Geelong Historical Records Centre.
Geelong City Council Rate Books (Barwon Ward), 1872-1960, Geelong Historical Records Centre.
Town Plan of Geelong 1881, Geelong Historical Records Centre.
Land Title Search App 40183, Land Titles Office, Marland House, Bourke Street, Melbourne.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Residence