“These houses were constructed prior to 1859 probably for William Virgol who rented the properties out. An attempt was made to trace the properties in the Melbourne City Council Records, but without success. It is possible that five of these terraces were those designed by Chares Webb in 1858 but this has not been verified. This terrace sequence of 8 houses is remarkably intact and simple in conception. It is one of the longest double storey terrace sequences in Fitzroy and the repetition of architectural motifs produces a harmonious façade. Of particular note is the panelled pilaster to the upper floor with an unusual console detail at the capital: paired consoles project outwards and sideways supporting the cornice. This detailing is seen on the less intact houses 274-276 Gore Street and it is possible that these are also to the design of Webb.” (South Fitzroy Conservation Study, 1979, 132)
“It would appear that a date of c1858 terrace would be appropriate for this terrace. The window surrounds, pilaster and cornice treatment shows a greater degree of sophistication than displayed on earlier Fitzroy terraces (compare Glass Terrace, 64-78 Gertrude Street of 1853054, and Royal Terrace of 1854-55, 1856-57). The simple regency pilaster treatment and moulded window surrounds produce an elegant façade treatment. The continuous parapet was a feature of early Fitzroy terraces, and was in response to the anti-fire measures of the 1849 Melbourne Building Act. This Act only applied to certain sections of Melbourne, and it was not until the 1860s that fashion persuaded the parapet to be introduced in areas outside the Building Act’s control (for example in North Melbourne, South Melbourne, Carlton etc.).” (South Fitzroy Conservation Study, 1979, 132)
“These houses provide an excellent example of a well preserved and intact late 1850’s regency terrace sequence. There is a continuous intact cast iron fence set on a bluestone plinth unifying all the houses at street level. Intact original blind hoods can be seen on numbers 44-50. The delicate console treatment at the cornice line pilasters, window surrounds and cornice provides some surface modelling in the development of terrace housing in Melbourne, and provides an important streetscape element to this extremely important precinct.” (South Fitzroy Conservation Study, 1979, 132)