Robert Harper Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Robert Harper Building |
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| Alternative names | Jebsens |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Inter-War Stripped Classical style |
| Address | 49 Phillimore Street |
| Town or city | Fremantle |
| Country | Western Australia |
| Completed | 1890 |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Part of | West End, Fremantle (25225) |
| Reference no. | 984 |
The Robert Harper Building, also known as Jebsens, is a historic building in Fremantle, Western Australia. You can find it at 49 Phillimore Street, right on the corner of Pakenham Street. This building is part of the Fremantle West End Heritage area, which means it's a special place with a lot of history.
It was built around 1890, during a time when many new buildings went up in Fremantle. This was because of the exciting gold boom period. People were finding lots of gold, and towns like Fremantle grew very quickly!
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Exploring the Robert Harper Building
The Robert Harper Building has two floors and was designed in a style called "Inter-War Stripped Classical." This means it has a classic, strong look, but with fewer fancy decorations than older styles. It was built to be both an office space and a warehouse, where goods could be stored.
A Big Fire in the Past
In 1922, something dramatic happened to the building. A large fire broke out and badly damaged the inside. It caused a lot of destruction, costing between £40,000 and £50,000 to repair. That was a huge amount of money back then!
Protecting a Piece of History
Because the Robert Harper Building is so important to Fremantle's history, it has been officially recognized and protected.
- In 1974, the National Trust classified it as a significant heritage site.
- Then, in 1978, it was permanently added to the Register of the National Estate. This list helps protect important places across Australia.
- It is also listed on the State Register of Heritage Places, ensuring its future.
Changes Over Time
Like many old buildings, the Robert Harper Building has seen some updates. In the 1990s, changes were made to its facade. The facade is the front part of the building that faces the street. These updates helped keep the building in good condition while preserving its historic look.
