The pair of commercial buildings at 38 Victoria Road, Loch, built in 1891, are significant. The Federation Carpenter style weatherboard buildings with gable ends have retained their original timber shopfronts and bracketed gable end frames. Other key features include:
Ladder frame valance over the footpath
Regular moulded mullions
Sympathetic modern post verandah
Non-original alterations and additions, other than those specified above, are not significant.
How is it significant?
The shops as 38 Victoria Road, Loch are of historic and aesthetic significance to the South Gippsland Shire.
Why is it significant?
Historically, these commercial buildings were among the first erected in Loch when the town was first formed, having been built in 1891. They demonstrate the important first phase of commercial development in Loch following the opening of the South Eastern Railway in 1891. The decision to use an architect from the prominent Melbourne a Architectural firm Reed, Smart and Tappin, illustrates the belief early settlers has of the future success of the Loch. (Criterion A) Aesthetically, these buildings are a superior example of the Federation Carpenter style within the South Gippsland Shire. Their unique style significantly contributes to the character of the town and Victoria Road. (Criterion E)