Argyle Terrace - Caminettos Restaurant

Statement of Significance

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Description

Assessed significance: State

Item type: Built

Current use: Restaurant

Former use: Residences

Group: Commercial

Category: Restaurant (food outlet)

Designer/Maker:

Builder/Maker:

Construction Years: 1883 - 1884

Physical Description: These terraces, built in 1883, are slightly more elaborate in style than those of the 'Tara Terrace' and the other houses in the terrace as a whole. Their external walls are finished in stucco and painted and incorporate Italianate details such as string courses, a wide cornice, decorative moulded brackets to sills and arched window heads. A parapet exists to the Playfair Street facade and the roof is of a much lower pitch than those of the adjoining buildings. Nevertheless, the buildings are representative of the Worker's housing of this slightly later period and share many features of the other terraces in Playfair Street. (Tropman 1993: 30-31)Style: Victorian (Worker's housing); Storeys: Two; Facade: Brick & Cement walls; Side Rear Walls: Brick & cement walls; Roof Cladding: Corrugated iron; Floor Frame: Timber

Property Description

Address

Historic Notes and Themes

Historical notes: The subject land appears to have been largely undeveloped until the 1870s. The street now known as 'Playfair Street' was not shown on a plan of the area dated 1868. Since the mid 1870s the street has been known by a number of names:- New George Street, c.1873 - 1876;- Little Gloucester Street, c.1877 - 1886;- Harrington Street, 1923-1953; and- Playfair Street, from 1953.The 1868 plan shows the subject land, part of a large block generally bounded by Argyle Street to the south, George Street to east, Union Street to the north and Gloucester Street (now Gloucester Walk) to the west. A laneway cuts through the south eastern portion of the block, accessing the properties fronting George Street and a large building connected to 'Flour mills' located opposite the site. The Argyle Stores occupy the south western section of the block.The land on the western side of Playfair Street was part of Lot 2 of Section 85 granted to William Carr and John Rogers on 26 October 1838. This land included the southern portion of the site, land now occupied by Nos. 21-31 Playfair Street. In 1839 the land granted to Carr and Rogers was sold to Frederick Wright Unwin. Unwin commenced his 'Bonded Stores' in the same year and in 1842 Unwin leased the northern section of his property. In 1870 part of Unwin's land was acquired by William Whaley Billyard who by the end of 1871 consolidated this with a grant made on 26 September 1871. This land was sold two years later to Robert Pemberton Richardson of Sydney, an auctioneer. A Certificate of Title dated December 1874, shows the land, including the subject sites, extending east from Gloucester Street with small frontage to George Street North.Richardson had by this time subdivided the land, part of DP 143, and offered the thirty one allotments for sale at auction on 11 December 1874. The lots were advertised as 'Freehold City Allotments' about Little Gloucester Street and Mill Street. The plan shows the irregularly shaped allotments on the western side of Little Gloucester Street, generally with 15 feet frontages. The two end allotments, Lots 21 and 31 being a little wider. Lots 4 to 31 were advertised as being suitable as sites 'for residences for small capitalists'.The sale of the subject site was recorded on the Certificate of Title as follows:Lot 28 (Part Nos.13-15 Playfair Street) William George of Sydney, Labourer, 2 April 1875Lot 29 (Part Nos.13-15 Playfair Street) Magnus George of Sydney, 14 October 1876The subject site Lots 28-31, were purchased by Thomas Playfair and by 1879, only these lots remained undeveloped. The subject site, now Nos. 13-15 Playfair Street, remained undeveloped on the 1880 Dove Plan. Two sheds are shown abutting the single storey building at the rear of No. 17 and on the north eastern boundary. In 1883 Thomas Playfair commenced construction of two tenements known as Nos. 3-5 Gloucester Street (Nos. 13-15 Playfair Street). The building was first rated in June 1884 and in 1891, and were described as two storey houses of five rooms constructed with brick and cement walls and iron roof. The buildings were the last of the grouping of terraces now remaining on the western side of Playfair Street to be constructed. Nos. 13-15 were slightly more elaborate in style and detail. Early photographs indicate that the terrace was originally rendered with parapet, decorative rendered mouldings including cornices and string lines and arched window heads.The houses and other dwellings in the area generally appear to have been developed for the rental market. The Sands Directory indicates that this situation continued until 1901, when all of the allotments were resumed by the Minister for Public Works and the Sydney Harbour Trust became responsible for the site and buildings. The initial aim of the Trust, which was established as a result of the Plague which hit Sydney in early 1900, was to clean up the resumed areas and redevelop them for commercial use. However, the area within the boundaries of the resumption included many residential properties mixed with the wharves and commercial buildings that the Trust intended to use. The Trust gradually had to accept that it would have to take the role of landlord and manage the newly acquired residential properties and their occupants. Much of the housing in the area had become dilapidated by this time and demolitions and cleansing operations were undertaken by the Trust, however, repairs to the buildings that were retained, it is assumed such as the subject terraces in Playfair Street, and construction of new housing, on land deemed unsuitable for commercial use, was also undertaken from this time.The terrace came under the control of the Maritime Services Board in 1936. The MSB made major infrastructure changes in The Rocks area, however, it would appear made little changes to the dwellings. Despite the changes in the administration much of the area and fabric remained intact until the late 1960s. Much of the city had by this time been taken over for commercial purposes and resident population subsequently thinned. The Rocks became more derelict and public opinion generally regarded the place as a slum and largely favoured demolition and redevelopment.Two of the four terraces still tenanted by the mid 1970s were occupied by residents who had lived in the street for several decades, during which it appears that very little renovation or modification had taken place. Mr Thomas Kane, the tenant for the four roomed No. 13 Playfair Street, lived there with his daughter and several grandchildren in crowded conditions.The buildings were transferred to the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority in 1970 and along with the neighbouring terraces were originally slated for demolition. Tenders were called and a number of proposals were considered, including the use of the combined site for a carpark. It was an overseas visit by the SCRA?s then Business Manager and Director that brought about a reversal and change of plan. The Director was impressed by the aesthetic and financial returns of refurbishing old and seemingly derelict buildings and on his return called for a reassessment of the situation. It was decided that the terrace would be retained and from this time the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority adapted the remaining houses as commercial premises and developed the rear of the site as Foundation Park. This marked the beginning of the Authority's role in the development of The Rocks as a tourist destination. At the end of the 1970s the character of the area and use and occupation of the buildings was redefined by the refurbishment of Playfair Street as a commercial and tourist zone and pedestrian precinct. In 1971-72 The Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority restored and refurbished the terraces for a restaurant.(Adapted from Perumal Murphy Alessi Pty Ltd, 2006)

Historical significance: The Terraces at Nos. 13-15 Playfair Street are historically significant as representative examples of late Victorian terrace development that was constructed during this period, particularly in areas such as The Rocks where residences in vicinity to places of employment were in demand. Together with the Atherden Street terraces and remnants in Foundation Park, they demonstrate the subdivision pattern that occurred in the period between 1870 and mid 1880s. The terraces are representative of relatively simple, high density speculative developments which were built during the mid to late Victorian period by developers keen to maximise profits.The site of the terrace, which extends back to the rock face to the west, and adjacent Foundation Park is significant as it emphasises the difficulties faced when developing in The Rocks precinct due to the topography of the area.The buildings are part of a group that were the first restoration and revitalisation works undertaken by the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority, commencing in 1972. The project represented a shift in both the philosophy of the organisation and general approach and understanding of the history and development of the area. The resultant changes to the buildings and area are significant as they represent a shift away from the predominantly residential use of the immediate vicinity to commercial and public use of the area.(Perumal Murphy Alessi Pty Ltd, 2006)

Historical association: The Terraces at Nos. 13-15 Playfair Street are associated with a number of government bodies who administered and later undertook major works to the buildings. These include the Sydney Harbour Trust, Maritime Services Board, Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority and Sydney Cove Authority.Nos. 13-15 are associated with Thomas Playfair, local businessman, Alderman and Mayor, who owned the land and constructed the buildings as speculative dwellings.(Perumal Murphy Alessi Pty Ltd, 2006)

Aesthetic significance: The Terraces at Nos. 13-15 Playfair Street demonstrate the changes in architectural style during the 1880s with the simple Italianate decoration of the front fa?ade in contrast with the simple and undecorated style of the adjacent terraces constructed during the 1870s (Nos. 17-31).Despite the demolition of the rear wings and some internal walls and features the terraces retain a sense of their original two room configuration on each floor, original spatial qualities and simplicity of the interior and lack of decoration, expected for speculative type development.The terraces are prominent elements in the Playfair streetscape primarily due to their smaller scale and location. Together with the adjacent Playfair Street Terraces (Nos. 17-31) they represent the mid tho late Victorian development of the area and make a positive contribution to varied character and nature of the precinct.(Perumal Murphy Alessi Pty Ltd, 2006)

Social significance: The Terraces at Nos. 13-15 are associated with a number of tenants, residential and more recently commercial occupants of no particular note.The buildings were part of a development that became a slum that was, after some intervention, improved and revitalised so that the buildings could continue to be part of the social and economic life of The Rocks and Sydney in general.The buildings have some association with the work of local community groups and Green Bans which brought about a change of philosophy and regard for the existing built environment in The Rocks and contributed to the decision to retain and restore the buildings. The works undertaken in the 1970s became part of what was the first 'restoration' project undertaken by the SCRA.(Perumal Murphy Alessi Pty Ltd, 2006)

Research significance: The Terraces at Nos. 13-15, despite some adaptive works, retain their fundamental form and character and many features of workers' terraces erected in Sydney during the late Victorian period. With Nos. 17-31 Playfair Street, they also demonstrate the changes of style in low scale residential accommodation between the 1870s and 1880s.The buildings and site have scientific and research potential because of the archaeological resources that may remain below the floor and backyard areas that may demonstrate the living conditions and construction techniques of modest dwellings in the late 19th century.Their location and current use make them easily accessible to the public and contributes to their understanding. The connecting stair, walkway and platforms of Foundation Park and Gloucester Walk also assist the appreciation of the buildings and site.(Perumal Murphy Alessi Pty Ltd, 2006)

Rare assessment: There are a number of terraces constructed in the mid to late 19th century remaining in The Rocks area, however, with the Atherden Street Terraces, the terraces are one of the few groupings of modest, speculative dwellings with Italianate details remaining in The Rocks area. Similar examples, however, remain in other inner city suburbs such Paddington and Surry Hills.With Nos. 17-31, Nos. 13-15 Playfair Street are the only 'residential' scaled buildings now remaining in Playfair Street which is now characterised by larger commercial buildings. With the Atherden Street Terraces these form an important reminder of the predominantly residential character of the immediate area.(Perumal Murphy Alessi Pty Ltd, 2006)

Representative assessment: Whilst the rear of the buildings have been altered and buildings are now used for commercial purposes the Terraces are good representative examples of late 19th century workers? and speculatively built dwellings that retain their fundamental 'residential' form and character and relationship to the street.(Perumal Murphy Alessi Pty Ltd, 2006)

Intact assessment: Potential archaeological resource

Physical condition: Archaeology Assessment Condition: Partly disturbed. Assessment Basis: Floors level with street. Sandstone quarried up to Gloucester Street frontage. Evidence should still remain of outbuildings which were demolished in 1917. Under floor deposits may be partly disturbed, they were substantially filled in 1900 to floor level to stop rat infestation, and excavated 450mm in 1972, however the original under floor deposit may be lower than this.

Listings

References

Type	Author	Year	Title
Management Plan	Perumal Murphy Alessi Pty Ltd, Heritage Consultants	2006	Argyle Terrace, Nos. 13-15 Playfair Street, The Rocks, Conservation Management Plan
Written	SCRA	1979	Building Data Sheet PS/01
Management Plan			Grants index.
Written	Tropman & Tropman Architects	1993	'Preliminary Conservation Plan', The Argyle Terrace (Nos.13-31), Playfair Street, The Rocks
Written	Annette Green	1988	Argyle Terrace & Foundation Park Statement of Signifcance and Conservation Guidelines

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