9-11 Alfred Crescent, Fitzroy North (Alfred Crescent / Fitzroy North Primary School)

The Alfred Crescent Primary School was constructed in 1875 and opened in the same year. It is one of the oldest schools in Melbourne.

“This building was constructed in 1875 by Geoffrey O’Connell contractor for 3,331 pounds and dramatically altered in 1925-26” by Phillip Bros. “At this date large rectangular windows replaced the former paired arched windows and drastically and detrimentally altered the elevations. The tower is the only component that is more or less intact. The building is constructed in red brick with some diaper patterning and bands of cream brick. The roof, formerly slate, has been replaced by Marseilles tiles. This building provides an attractive streetscape element to Alfred Crescent and is important in a local context.” (North Fitzroy Conservation Study 1978). (Glossary) There is more information in the Study about the School. Notably, it suggests that the Architect may have been Evan Smith.

The Alfred Crescent School c. 1908
Image held by Fitzroy Library. Photo by Peter Spredbrough, c. 1910.
Detail of original drawing showing alterations to the south elevation in 1925 (note original arched window heads with cream brick voussoirs) – Sourced from : North Fitzroy Conservation Study 1978

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