Statement of
Significance: |
Built as a Masonic Temple and Public Hall and consecrated in 1858, this building became a private residence a few years later in 1863. Its grand masonic style made for an imposing residence which helped set the direction of the later evolution of the area. The building is therefore associated with two major forces in the social evolution of Australia, a landed upper middle class and freemasonry (Criterion A.4).
The site is an important component of the evolution of the elite area of Adelaide, demonstrating aspects of the evolution of the Australian class system. The association with masonic organisation demonstrated by the site in its context is also important (Criterion D.2).
The grandiose Roman Doric facade inherited from its masonic past is uncommon in residential buildings and is of architectural interest (Criterion B.2). The facade is regarded as aesthetically pleasing (Criterion E.1) and its Roman Doric character is architecturally important (Criterion F.1). The masonic core of the site is the work of the later celebrated architect E W Wright.
The building was occupied by J. Woodforde, a surgeon to Colonel Light's survey party and later City Coroner. It was later purchased by Albion Tolley, of wine and spirit fame (Criterion H.1). |
