Two storey Commercial building (former Wimmera Cafe), 96 Main Street, STAWELL

The building at 96 Main Street, Stawell, makes a significant contribution to the architectural and visual amenity of the predominantly 19th and early 20th century commercial streetscape. The form and rear sections of the building also contribute to the architectural amenity of the area. Built in 1923 as the Wimmera Cafe for Messrs Strangio and Pinzone to a design by Ballarat architects Richards, Coburn and Richards, the building appears to be in fair condition when viewed from the street.

The building at 96 Main Street is architecturally significant at a LOCAL level. It demonstrates original design qualities for an interwar (1920s-1940s) commercial building. These qualities include the capped parapet with flanking wide corner piers having stylised Art Deco motifs, long label mould below the parapet, small square ventilation openings above the label mould, wide window opening with vestigial Ionic columns and double brick brackets under the window sill, and the flanking wide brick wall bands. Other intact or appropriate qualities include the symmetrical composition, two storey height, rendered or face red brick wall construction, cantilevering canopy, and the pink ground floor tile surrounds. The rear gable roof forms, brick parapet walls, brick chimneys and brick walls and form (but not roof) of the back section of the building also contribute to the significance of the place. 

The building at 96 Main Street is historically significant at a LOCAL level. It is associated with commercial developments in Stawell during the interwar (1920s-1940s) period. In particular, this building has associations with Messrs Strangio and Pinzone, original owners who instigated construction of the two storey shop building in 1923. They operated the Wimmera Cafe from these premises for several years. The building also has associations with the Ballarat architects, Richards, Coburn and Richards.

Overall, the building at 96 Main Street is of LOCAL significance.