MACKAY STREET

The Mackay Street precinct, which comprises the houses at 3-51 and 4-50 Mackay Street, Essendon, and subdivided in c.1888-1890s and developed c.1900-20s, is significant.

The following features contribute to the significance of the precinct:

. The pattern of development in the precinct which comprises a mixed streetscape of Victorian, Federation and interwar houses, and the key features and original detailing characteristic of their respective styles, in many cases transitional styles.

. Bluestone laneways at the rear of 3-13 and 4-48 Mackay Street.

. Original or early front fence at 22 Mackay Street.

The houses at 3, 9, 11, 13, 15, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51 and 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 22, 26, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 are Contributory.

Non-original alterations and additions to the Contributory buildings are not significant.

The houses at 5, 7, 17 and 33 and 6, 18, 24, 28, 42, 44, 48 and 50 Mackay Street are Non-contributory to the precinct.

How is it significant?

The Mackay Street Precinct, Essendon, is of local historical, and representative (architectural) significance to the City of Moonee Valley.

Why is it significant?

Historically the Mackay Street precinct illustrates what was a typical pattern of development in Moonee Valley, when larger estates were subdivided in the late nineteenth-century land boom, but where most development occurred between c.1905 and the 1930s. Development was spurred by improved transport connections and other services, including the introduction of electric trams along Mt Alexander Road in 1906. Mackay Street is typical of this pattern of development in Moonee Valley, the housing stock reflective of the history of Essendon's development. (Criterion A)

The Mackay Street precinct is significant as a representative area of late nineteenth century and early to mid-twentieth century housing in this part of the municipality. The mixed streetscape of Victorian, Federation and interwar era houses, which retain key features and detailing characteristic of their respective styles, demonstrate the key development phases. Interspersed throughout the precinct are many dwellings that reflect the transition between the Victorian and Federation eras through their designs, which incorporate features of both the Italianate and Queen Anne styles. These dwellings that combine stylistic features from different eras, add visual cohesion to the otherwise mixed streetscape.. (Criterion D)

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House