151-165 Beaufort Street
In 1903, timber cottages at the northeast corner of Beaufort and Newcastle streets were removed, to make way for the construction of five brick shops and residences. These were an investment property for Dr. Daniel Kenny, who had arrived in Western Australia from Ireland in 1895.
Kenny took advantage of the opportunities for investment in real estate afforded by the gold boom, and became well-known for his land speculations, accumulating considerable wealth. By 1904, his astute investments included 35 houses and shops north of the railway line, in Fitzgerald, James, William and Beaufort Streets, including 151-165 Beaufort Street.
Kenny continued to own 151-165 Beaufort Street for several years, with a variety of businesses occupying the premises. Among the earlier tenants were William John George and his wife, Catherine, whose business ‘George & George, Drapers’ was advertised with the business name ‘George & George’ painted on the building. The pattern of use which continued for the longest period was the use of the premises for the wine saloon in the middle shops, which continued for more than fifty years.
When the Northbridge Tunnel was proposed, the future of the block of shops became uncertain. However, today they have not only survived but have been renovated and look likely to continue to house a variety of retail outlets for many years to come.
In 1903, timber cottages at the northeast corner of Beaufort and Newcastle streets were removed, to make way for the construction of five brick shops and residences. These were an investment property for Dr. Daniel Kenny, who had arrived in Western Australia from Ireland in 1895. After achieving moderate success in his first years in the colony, in the late 1890s, he was appointed chief medical examiner for the AMP, the largest insurance company in Western Australia.
Kenny took advantage of the opportunities for investment in real estate afforded by the gold boom, and became well-known for his land speculations, accumulating considerable wealth. Other doctors also speculated in real estate in Perth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but Kenny speculated on a larger scale than any of his medical peers. By 1904, his astute investments included 35 houses and shops north of the railway line, in Fitzgerald, James, William and Beaufort Streets, including 151-165 Beaufort Street. And he had additional investments in the developing suburbs of Perth, such as Cottesloe and Buckland Hill.
A building licence was issued in September 1903 for the construction of a brick building at the corner of Beaufort and Newcastle Streets, with plans drawn by architect Charles Oldham. Charles Oldham had worked extensively in the Eastern colonies before moving to Western Australia during the gold boom. Individually and in various partnerships, Oldham was responsible for the designs of several notable buildings in Western Australia, including Fremantle Markets, Wellington Buildings, Geraldton Town Hall, and many of the buildings in Howard Street, Perth.
The other shops and residences at 151-165 Beaufort Street appear to have been constructed in1904. Built of brick and iron, each shop included a residence at the rear, with wash house, bathroom, and water closet to the rear of these.
Kenny continued to own 151-165 Beaufort Street for several years, with a variety of businesses occupying the premises. Among the earlier tenants were William John George and his wife, Catherine, whose business ‘George & George, Drapers’ was advertised with the
business name ‘George & George’ painted on the building. The pattern of use which continued for the longest period was the use of the premises for the wine saloon in the middle shops, which continued for more than fifty years.
During the 20th century, successive migrant communities settled in the area to the north of the railway line, establishing businesses in the existing premises. The character of the area changed in various ways with each influx. The tenancies of the shops reflected the changing character of the area. From 1956 to 1958, 151 Beaufort Street was tenanted by Steve Litas, and in the period 1958 to 1963, by Jim and Aphrodite Pongas.
When the Northbridge Tunnel was proposed, the future of the block of shops became uncertain. However, today they have not only survived but have been renovated and look likely to continue to house a variety of retail outlets for many years to come.