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]
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]
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]
