Descendents of the architect behind Narrogin’s famous town hall pay historic building a visit

Narrogin Town Hall has been visited by descendants of the architect responsible for its acclaimed design.

Dropping in to Narrogin last week, Kay Hogan and Joan Donovan, the granddaughters of architect George Lavater, visited one of his most historic buildings.

The State Heritage-listed town hall was built in 1908 at the corner of Federal and Fortune streets and reflected Narrogin’s growing prominence at the time.

More than a century later the hall still gets regular use.

The Perth Symphony Orchestra, Ten Sopranos and Djuki Mala are among performers who have been brought to the venue in recent years and Shire of Narrogin president Leigh Ballard recently described it as an “icon”.

To Ms Donovan and her sister, the hall is something truly special.

“The timber ceiling was just beautiful and the stage was just beautiful and practical,” Ms Donovan said.

“It’s lovely to see an old building and it was quite magnificent.

“We were staying in a hotel where the Town Hall was a picture on the front cover of the phone book there.”

Mr Lavater was prolific as an architect.

Born in 1870 in St Kilda, he is recognised as the architect behind buildings including the Highbury Hotel, Pingelly Town Hall, Wagin Fire Station and Narrogin War Memorial Pavilion.

“I’m so pleased that Narrogin has held on to some of those buildings. It really adds to the character of these towns,” Ms Hogan said.

“We also stopped in Wagin and had a look at the fire station and the Town Hall in Pingelly.”