Camberwell Conservation Study 1991 Vol 3 - City of Boroondara

smooth stucco are the two main finishes and, where parapets
are used, they are either stepped or have segmentarched
scallops, such as at 29 High Street. Some
impressive ground-level elements survive, such as the
glazed tiling at 43 (incomplete). The shopfronts at 39
and 41, which include notable leadlight transoms and the
notable leadlight at 37, also in the transom. The distinctive
amber glazed tiling at 31 is original, along with the
brass-framed shopfronts. This is probably similar to that
at 33 High Street which has since been painted over. Old
colours survive on upper-levels, as do window hoods for
instance on the corner, former grocery at 43 High Street.
The simple timber framed canopies of the era are also
well represented on this shop.
At the western endof the strip, commencing with 15High
Street, some unusual shopfront treatments existincluding
geometric stepping in the main window framing rails and
which is repeated in each door rail. The canopies have
decorative fascias, although soffits have been replaced on
the shops 15to 21 High Street. West of Gladstone Street,
Bungalow era housing ensues in a related era to that of
the shops.
On the south side lOA High Street (part of the former
service station) introduces a later Moderne element to
the street, with its patternedclinker brickwork but altered
ground level However, the rest of the shops extending
to the east, are of an earlier vintage, retaining window
hoods such as 18 and 20 and share the red brick and
stucco upper wall combination present in most of the
precinct. Shopfronts such as at 20 and 22 are original, as
is 26. Upper levelleadlighting exists at 26, 28, but the
most distinctive row is the Old English style one which
extends eastwards from 30, however, window alterations
on this row have marred its architectural importance.
One shopfront exists from the original state of 32 and has
fine copper framing.
Significance
Overall, the physical topography of the shopping strip,
with its downhill progress to a sharp corner intersection,
enhances the visual containment of the centre which is
already clearly stated by the high integrity of the shops,
including shopfronts and canopies and the narrow period
of development in the 1920s and 1930s.
Historically important as it consists of a comparatively
intact grouping of standard retail functions of the period
1920-1950. It secondly relates to housing subdivisions of
the period and demonstrates the way in which particular
housing developments gave an impetus to the growth of
commercial nodes at major suburban intersections.
Much of the character of the shopping precincts of this
period is still recognizable in the buildings at Glen Iris.
The siting above the Gardiners Creek valley gives an
added interest.
Camberwell Conservation Study 1991- Significant Areas