Harper’s Buildings
When Harper’s Building opened in 1937 it was described as an “ultra-modern buildingâ€. Much of the ground floor was occupied by the well-known furniture firm, Maple’s, which took advantage of the large window space now available with modern buildings. The other ground floor occupants were a radio shop run by the ‘Bird for Wireless’, Arthur Pidgeon, and the Break o’ Day Delicatessen. The basement contains the offices and storerooms of Smiths and Son, who were the local distributors for Yalumba wine.
Before Harper’s Building was constructed, the site held a residence and one of the oldest shops on Hay Street, dating back to 1847. Architect Edwin Summerhayes was commissioned to design a complex of stores there, with a warehouse at the rear.
Constructed of brick, concrete, and iron in the Inter-War Functionalist style, Harper’s Building had a purpose-built wine tasting room in the basement, which was an innovation in Western Australia. The basement was decorated with ‘Egyptian Terrazzo work’, giving a rustic feel for visitors.
Following a fire at the rear warehouse in February 1977, it was necessary to demolish and reconstruct of sections of the floor, roof structure, and ceilings, Today, the shop fronts and first floor offices are still occupied and the place remains a fine example of 1930s architecture.
When Harper’s Building opened in 1937 it was described as an “ultra-modern buildingâ€. Much of the ground floor was occupied by the well-known furniture firm, Maple’s, which took advantage of the large window space now available with modern buildings. The other ground floor occupants were a radio shop run by the ‘Bird for Wireless’, Arthur Pigeon, and the Break o’ Day Delicatessen. The basement contains the offices and storerooms of Smiths and Son, who were the local distributers for Yalumba wine.
The factory of the Capitol Manufacturing Company took up the top floor. This clothing factory had machines in almost constant use, and in a most buildings the vibration and noise would. Annoy the other occupants. However, Harper’s Building had been specially constructed for sound-roofing in the lower floor’s ceiling to eliminate the sounds.
Before Harper’s Building had been constructed, the site held a residence and one of the oldest shops on Hay Street, dating back to 1847. Architect Edwin Summerhayes was commissioned to design a complex of stores there, with a warehouse at the rear. Nathaniel Harper, the owner, was one of the early managers of Fraser’s Mine and Hope’s Hill Mine in Southern Cross before managing the White Feather Reward Mine in Kanowna in 1895. He was a wealthy business entrepreneur after the gold rush and involved himself in city businesses, including the Esplanade Hotel.
Constructed of brick, concrete, and iron in the Inter-War Functionalist style, Harper’s Building had a purpose-built wine tasting room in the basement, which was an innovation in Western Australia. The basement was decorated with ‘Egyptian Terrazzo work’, giving a rustic feel for visitors.
In May 1946, Reginald Summerhayes drew plans for a new kitchen and facilities at the Break o’ Day Cafe. As cement for the concrete kitchen floor required by the City of Perth health regulations was unavailable following World War II, the work was not fully implemented until 1948, when materials were available.
Following a fire at the rear warehouse in February 1977, it was necessary to demolish and reconstruct of sections of the floor, roof structure, and ceilings, Today, the shop fronts and first floor offices are still occupied and the place remains a fine example of 1930s architecture.
Daily News 18 September 1937