Commercial Hotel, Albury
Historic site in New South Wales, Australia
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Commercial Hotel is a heritage-listed former hotel at 430–436 Smollett Street, Albury, New South Wales, Australia. It was formerly known as Waterstreet Hotel. The property is owned by Cohalan & Mitchell Roofing Pty Ltd, Lavington Plaster Linings Pty Ltd, Layisa Pty Ltd and Waterstreet Property Pty Ltd. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.[1]
- Gordon & Gordon (1880s)
- Louis Harrison (1920s)
| Commercial Hotel | |
|---|---|
The Commercial Hotel in 2019 | |
  Location within New South Wales  Location within Australia | |
| 36.0832°S 146.9223°E | |
| Location | 430–436 Smollett Street, Albury, New South Wales, Australia |
| Site notes | |
| Architects |
|
| Owner | Cohalan & Mitchell Roofing Pty Ltd; Lavington Plaster Linings Pty Ltd; Layisa Pty Ltd; Waterstreet Property Pty Ltd |
Official name | Commercial Hotel & Cottage; Waterstreet Hotel |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 538 |
Type | Hotel |
Category | Commercial |
History
The hotel is believed to have been constructed in c. 1854, forming the oldest surviving public hotel in Albury.[1] Another source says it was built even earlier, in 1844, by James Wyse.[2]
Modifications were made to the hotel in c. 1880s when a two-storey front verandah was constructed with timber floors and cast iron fretwork. In c. 1912 an architect-designed two-storey rear accommodation wing was constructed. In c. 1950s the ground floor windows were replaced with P&O style fenestration and concrete awning.[1]
The hotel was owned by Mrs Waterstreet in 1914, giving its eponymous title.[3] In 1929 it was reported that the Waterhouse family leased the hotel.[4]
During 2003 and 2005, unsympathetic prior alterations to the building interiors were removed, such as suspended ceilings, exposing original ceiling heights and plaster detailing.[1]
The hotel was later sold and converted into apartments.[5]
Heritage listing
The Commercial Hotel was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.[1]
The hotel, dating from the 1850s with an 1880s verandah and 1912 architect-designed accommodation wing, is believed to be the oldest public hotel in Albury. It was described as an early commercial response to the railway and as a good example of a late colonial style country hotel.[1]
