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Commonwealth Hotel, 95-101 Napier Street, ST ARNAUD
Location95-101 Napier Street ST ARNAUD, NORTHERN GRAMPIANS SHIRE LevelRecommended for Heritage Overlay |
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Statement of Significance
The Commonwealth Hotel, 95-101 Napier Street, St. Arnaud, makes a significant contribution to the predominantly Victorian and Federation streetscape. This building forms one of only three grand hotels in the town and it was built in 1901 for the local and well-known businessman, William Bray. The building replaced the earlier Union Tavern, and was designed by Clegg, Kell and Miller with a two storey cast iron balcony/verandah that has subsequently been removed. Although altered, the Commonwealth Hotel is architecturally significant at a LOCAL level. It demonstrates original design qualities of a Federation Free Classical style. These qualities include the two storey composition, brick wall construction (but not paintwork), and particularly the parapet of open interlocking circles, regularly spaced piers with small stylised pediments, central pediment with sculptural relief and the flanking piers surmounted by urns and adorned with stylised pediments above vermiculate relief panels. Other intact qualities include the decorative, dentillated stringcourse accentuated at the centre by a curved projection; flat-arched first floor window and door openings; round arched ground floor window and door openings; timber framed double hung windows; and the first floor sidelights and transom in door opening. The Commonwealth Hotel and site are historically significant at a LOCAL level. They are associated with the Union Tavern hotel, which was originally on this site and replaced by the Commonwealth Hotel in 1901. This hotel building is associated with the original owner, William Bray, a local and well-known businessman who had emigrated from Cornwall. It is also associated with the architects, Clegg, Kell and Miller. The Commonwealth Hotel and site are historically significant at a LOCAL level. They are recognised and valued by the St. Arnaud community as an important meeting place for social interaction. Overall, the Commonwealth Hotel and site are of LOCAL significance.
Group
Commercial
Category
Hotel