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BACON BROS. COFFEE PALACE (FORMER)
Other NamesKoonwarra Café & Store, thematic , Koonwarra Coffee Palace Location2-6 KOALA DRIVE, KOONWARRA, SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE LevelRecommended for Heritage Overlay |
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Statement of Significance
What is significant?
The former Bacon Brothers' Coffee Palace, at 2-6 Koala Drive, Koonwarra, built in 1892, is significant. This late Victorian commercial building has a north-facing pair of pediments illustrating the original roof form of the two gables of the building (not replaced by one large gable) and a parapet of three triangles, including the splayed corner. The straight verandah encircles the building (not original but a very close replica) and the windows on the two street-facing elevations and corner entry door are original.
Non-original alterations and additions, other than those listed above, are not of heritage significance.
Non-original alterations and additions, other than those listed above, are not of heritage significance.
How is it significant?
The former Bacon Brothers' Coffee Palace is of local historic, aesthetic and social significance to the South Gippsland Shire and is associated with the Bacon Brothers.
Why is it significant?
Historically, the former Bacon Brothers' Coffee Palace was the first commercial building in Koonwarra and is now one of the oldest commercial buildings in the South Gippsland Shire. The Coffee Palace was operated by Mrs. Francis Bacon until 1905, but the building continued to host a coffee palace and other commercial enterprises. This building illustrates the early settlement of Koonwarra and demonstrates the township's development after the opening of the Great Southern Railway in 1892. (Criterion A)
Aesthetically, the former Bacon Brothers' Coffee Palace is an intact and authentic example of an early settlement store within the Koonwarra. The original windows and doors, parapets and fenestration on the streetscape significantly contribute to the aesthetic and historic character of Koonwarra and local landmark. (Criterion E)
Socially, as the first commercial building in the township and also the building used as the town's first Post Office, the former Coffee Palace is integral part of the Koonwarra community identity. (Criterion G)
The Bacon Brothers, Robert and Francis, came to Koonwarra in 1891 via the South-eastern railway contractors train, believing that Koonwarra would prosper over time and were pioneers of the Koonwarra district. (Criterion H)
Aesthetically, the former Bacon Brothers' Coffee Palace is an intact and authentic example of an early settlement store within the Koonwarra. The original windows and doors, parapets and fenestration on the streetscape significantly contribute to the aesthetic and historic character of Koonwarra and local landmark. (Criterion E)
Socially, as the first commercial building in the township and also the building used as the town's first Post Office, the former Coffee Palace is integral part of the Koonwarra community identity. (Criterion G)
The Bacon Brothers, Robert and Francis, came to Koonwarra in 1891 via the South-eastern railway contractors train, believing that Koonwarra would prosper over time and were pioneers of the Koonwarra district. (Criterion H)
Group
Retail and Wholesale
Category
Shop