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ST MONICA'S CATHOLIC PRESBYTERY

Location

22 ROBINSON STREET,, MOONEE PONDS VIC 3039 - Property No 189505

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
St Monica's Presbytery, designed by Reed, Smart & Tappin and blessed and opened in1901, at 22 Robinson Street, Moonee Pondsis significant. It is a two-storey red brick and rough-cast stucco residence with a two-level iron and timber return verandah. Marseilles pattern tiles to the gabled roof and half timbering to the gables themselves. The design appears as a formal treatment of the Queen Anne style, but the Oriental (Chinese) timber frieze and balustrade to the verandah, herald the detailing of the later Oriental and Californian Bungalow types. Other notable details include the offset chimney shaft (expressed through the gable on the west wall) the surviving ogee sprouting and the verandah brackets.

How is it significant?
St Monica's Presbytery is of local historic, architectural and aesthetic significance to the City of Moonee Valley.

Why is it significant?
Historically, it is an integral part of the St Monica's Catholic Church complex. The size of this residence and the complex as a whole demonstrates the important role of the church as the centre of Parish, which has represented a large percentage of the Catholic congregation in in Moonee Ponds for over a century. It is also significant for its associations with long-time resident Fr. Nelan who was a popular figure. (Criteria A & H)

Architecturally, an early original use of the Oriental flavoured Queen Anne, in transition to later suburban styles. The aesthetic qualities of the house are enhanced by it's high degree of intactness and contemporary landscape and buildings in the surrounding church complex. (Criteria D & E)

Group

Religion

Category

Presbytery/Rectory/ Vicarage/Manse