| Back to search results » | Back to search page » |
|
ROYAL HOTEL & PALMS
Other Names- , thematic Location2 SMITH STREET, LOCH, SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE LevelRec for HO area contributory |
|
Statement of Significance
What is significant?
The Royal Hotel and pair of Cotton Palms at rear, at 2 Smith Street, Loch, built in 1916-17, are significant. The building is a two-storey red brick Federation style ho tel with a horizontal rendered parapet, segmentally divided by piers, and concealed hipped roofs. It has rendered horizontal banding at ceiling level of the ground level and second level and simple timber verandah balustrades as part of the recessed two-storey verandah that is supported by brick piers. Other key features include:
- Symmetrical outer bays either side of central verandah with two single , double hung windows of each level
- Cornices projecting over verandah bays at top of second floor and at the top of parapet between raised side piers.
- On the ground floor, to the south, a section was converted to a bottle shop but is no longer in use.
- Two tall Cotton Palms (Washingtonia filifera) at the rear of the building.
Non-original alterations and additions, other than those specified above, are not significant.
How is it significant?
The Royal Hotel, at 2 Smith Street, are of local historic, aesthetic and social significance to the South Gippsland Shire.
Why is it significant?
Historically, this location has been importance to the establishment and growth of Loch since 1887, when a coffee palace was built on this site. The Royal Hotel at Loch began construction in November 1916 and was opened in March 1917 to replace the old coffee palace. The Royal Hotel, and the previous commercial building on this land demonstrate the importance of Loch as a commercial centre in the early establishment and growth of Loch. (Criterion A)
Aesthetically, the Royal Hotel demonstrates the classic Federation style with restrained elements and significantly contributes to the aesthetic and historic character of Loch. The two towering Cotton Palms to the rear of the building enhance the setting of the Hotel, suggesting an Edwardian era landscape style. (Criterion E)
Socially, the former Coffee Palace and Royal Hotel were both key elements in the social development of Loch since 1887. Both the Coffee Palace and the Hotel served as social hubs for the community and as meeting places during the development of Loch. (Criterion G)
Aesthetically, the Royal Hotel demonstrates the classic Federation style with restrained elements and significantly contributes to the aesthetic and historic character of Loch. The two towering Cotton Palms to the rear of the building enhance the setting of the Hotel, suggesting an Edwardian era landscape style. (Criterion E)
Socially, the former Coffee Palace and Royal Hotel were both key elements in the social development of Loch since 1887. Both the Coffee Palace and the Hotel served as social hubs for the community and as meeting places during the development of Loch. (Criterion G)
Group
Parks, Gardens and Trees
Category
Tree