Lawson Apartments facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lawson Apartments |
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Lawson Apartments, corner view Sherwood Court and The Esplanade
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| Former names | Lawson Flats |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Art deco |
| Location | Perth, Western Australia |
| Address | 2–4 Sherwood Court, Perth |
| Coordinates | 31°57′24″S 115°51′30″E / 31.9566°S 115.8582°E |
| Construction started | November 1936 |
| Completed | 1937 |
| Renovated | 1987 |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Reinforced concrete |
| Floor count | 11 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Hennessy, Hennessy & Co Reginald Summerhayes |
| Structural engineer | Hennessy, Hennessy & Co |
| Main contractor | Concrete Construction (W.A.) Ltd |
| Renovating team | |
| Architect | Oldham Boas Ednie-Brown Architects |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 1 December 1995 |
| Reference no. | 2092 |
The Lawson Apartments are a famous building in Perth, Western Australia. You can find them at 2-4 Sherwood Court, close to The Esplanade. They are right across from the Esplanade Reserve park and next to the Weld Club.
Contents
Building History
This building was first called Lawson Flats. It is an eleven-story apartment block built in 1937. The Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society constructed it.
Original Design and Use
The building was designed in the Art Deco style. Art Deco is a cool, stylish design from the 1920s and 1930s. It often uses geometric shapes and rich colors.
The Lawson Apartments had a restaurant and a private club called the Perth Club. These were on the first three floors. Apartments were located on the floors above.
The building was designed by architects Hennessy, Hennessy & Co from Sydney. They worked with a local architect, Reginald Summerhayes. They built it to rent out apartments. It was meant to go with the Colonial Mutual Life building nearby.
Tallest Buildings in Perth
When they were built, the two Colonial Mutual Life buildings were among the tallest in Perth. Their great location and important status attracted wealthy people. This type of multi-apartment building was new to Western Australia at that time.
The design of the Lawson Apartments also features Spanish Mission style details. This mix of styles made the building look very fancy, like something from Hollywood movies.
Inside, the building has an H-shaped layout. This design allowed for four apartments on each floor.
World War II Role
During World War II, an important part of the government used the building. The headquarters for the State Cabinet were located there. The State Cabinet is like the main group of government leaders for Western Australia.
Current Use of the Apartments
The apartments were updated in 1986. This happened after the Colonial Mutual company sold them. In 1987, the apartments were "strata titled." This means each apartment became its own separate property that could be bought and sold.
Clubs and Restaurants Today
Today, the Karrakatta Club uses the space where the Perth Club used to be. They are on the first and second floors. They also share part of the ground floor with Balthazar. Balthazar is a fancy restaurant.
The Karrakatta Club moved into the Lawson Apartments in 1984. Before that, their club was on St Georges Terrace.
Heritage Value
The Lawson Apartments are considered very important because of their history and design. They have been recognized by several groups.
Official Recognitions
The National Trust officially recognized the building on May 4, 1981. The National Trust helps protect important places.
The City of Perth also added it to their heritage list on December 20, 1985.
On March 25, 1986, it was added to the Register of the National Estate. This is a national list of important places in Australia.
Finally, the Heritage Council of Western Australia permanently listed it on the State Register of Heritage Places. This happened on December 1, 1995. This means it is officially protected as a heritage site in Western Australia.
