HOUSE (UNICA)

Other Name

Unica, MPAC heritage study

Location

17 NORWOOD CRESCENT,, MOONEE PONDS VIC 3039 - Property No 192330

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The house formerly known as 'Unica', designed by George Jobbins and built in 1885, at 17 Norwood Crescent, Moonee Ponds is significant.

Non-original alterations and additions to the house are not significant.

How is it significant?
The house formerly known as 'Unica' at 17 Norwood Crescent, Moonee Ponds is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Moonee Valley.

Why is it significant?
It is historically significant (Criterion A) as a rare substantial villa residence recalling the first phase in the settlement of Moonee Ponds as a suburb of the metropolis. It is important in this way also because it demonstrates the financial successes of George Harvey who in partnership with T. Cozens ran a successful ironmongery business at the height of the economic Boom period. While a number of these villas were erected many have now been demolished and the significance of this house is enhanced by its rarity value. The building's association with the noted architect, George Jobbins is also important. (Criteria A, B & H)

It is aesthetically significant as a prominent and exceptionally richly decorated polychrome villa but in other respects representative example of a common villa design of the late Victorian Period. It is presumed that the distinctive ornamentation is directly attributable to the architect and imparts not only aesthetic distinction to the villa but informs us also as to the nature of Jobbin's work. (Criterion E)

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House