This house has always intrigued me, as it sits on its own on this block, and currently (2025) is about to be completely dwarfed by an 8 storey monster building that will be built next to it and behind it (that is if VCAT ignore the locals who are fighting it). Everyone wants this site developed, but inside the proposed Council height plan which would be 5 storeys.
So as a result of this local fight, we got chatting to the people who live here, and this is their story:
My Great Grandfather Joseph Gange arrived in Australia in 1852. In Melbourne he became an apprentice Coach Builder In approximately 1869-1870 he purchased 4 lots of land In George street Fitzroy 436-430 where he had a cab business. Terrace houses were built there with the names of his daughters on the front of the house. 436 George Street is the only one still standing. My grand mother (Joseph daughter) lived there until she married and move away. My father Robert Welsh ( her son) moved into 436 George street in approx 1950. I was born in Fitzroy along with my two siblings who still live in Fitzroy. I moved in with my wife and children in 1990 and still live there. As far as we know the house has been in the family since all this time That is 4 generations. Written by Robert Welsh.
Hello. I have a picture of a missing uncle. He have sent a picture to us and I think its in this exact place. He is standing with a man. How can I contact you?
Hi, Do you know a guy called Sentar Martin? He was taking a picture in front of that house with you (maybe) he was a cab river in Fitzroy in the 50’s 60’