"The pick of inner-city hostels"

, East Perth is moderate as the majority of the original fabric is intact and the form of the pace and its original function are still apparent in the physical fabric. Later additions and alterations can be readily reversed in the two storey portion of the building whilst the alteration of the former service areas at the rear of the building has reduced the authenticity of these spaces.

Statement of Significance:
Terrace, 226-268 Hay Street, East Perth is a two storey brick and iron hostel built in the Federation Queen Anne Style in 1908 for the owner Joseph John Hobbs. It has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
 The place is a good and uncommon example of a two storey residence bult in this area in the early 20th century.
  The remaining finishes used externally and internally demonstrate the growing affluence of the Perth community at this time and the form illustrates the way of life of the occupants.
 The place contributes to the streetscape as its form and scale is representative of the type of building constructed in this area in the early 20th century. Its continued use as a type of residence contributes to the community’s sense of place.
 The place was designed and owned by prominent architect Joseph John Talbot Hobbs.

History Notes:
This two-storey building of two former residences was built in 1894/ 1895 to a design by prestigious and influential architect Joseph John Talbot Hobbs. According to the City of Perth rates books, he was the owner of the property. Records held by John Taylor suggest that it was owned by another member of the Talbot Hobbs family (Mrs J T Hobbs). Construction of the building commenced in October 1894 and was completed in May 1895; the value of the building was estimated as £1144.

In 1895, the street numbering of Howick street, as it was then known, was different to the current form with 266 (142) and 268 (144). Rates books record the first occupants were 142 – Robert Wigglesworth and 144 – Thomas H Tobin. These men were both civil servants. Tobin continued to occupy144 until 1904 whilst in the same period there were several occupants of 142 including Ogilvie (merchant), W.Wilkinson (architect), W.Paramour (clerk) and Reg A Willis (clerk). W.Wilkinson was likely to have been William Wilkinson who worked for Hobbs during 1896/97.

A PWD plan of the site c.1897 shows the basic form of the building. This shows structures; presumably water closets were located close to the rear of the building.

In 1905, the occupants were (142) Willis and (144) Mrs. Norah Kelly, in 1906 142 was occupied by Mrs Ernest Chase. The street numbering changed in1907 and the current numbering was applied. The occupants in that year were (266) Susannah O’Flaherty taken over from Louis Cunningham (tea merchant) and (268) Reginald Harrison. In 1908, 266 was occupied by Mr Paul Schmidt an instrument maker (or Smith in the Post Office Directory) having taken over from Annie Logan and 268 Emma Craig. The following year the occupants were Mr Paul Schmidt (266) and Thomas Taylor (268).