The façade is classically organised into well defined rusticated base, windows at all levels above with different pediments creating a suitable rhythmic pattern, and a heavy cornice with terra cotta plaques below.
Dominating the Customhouse Quay façade is a large and impressive portal on the grand scale which occupies nearly a third of the vertical height of the building. This leads to a main office space which, at the time of its construction, was one of the largest single rooms in New Zealand and, with its four huge Italian marble columns with Corinthian capitals, remains one of the grandest.
The building on its corner site is a major contribution to the townscape with its restrained ornamentation, discipline and dignity of design.
List Entry Information
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
209
Date Entered
1st September 1983
Date of Effect
1st September 1983
City/District Council
Wellington City
Region
Wellington Region
Legal description
Lot 2 DP 81539
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
209
Date Entered
1st September 1983
Date of Effect
1st September 1983
City/District Council
Wellington City
Region
Wellington Region
Legal description
Lot 2 DP 81539
Construction Professional
Name
Clere & Clere
Type
Architectural Partnership
Biography
No biography is currently available for this construction professional
Construction Details
Start Year
1928
Type
Original Construction
Construction Professional
Name
Clere & Clere
Type
Architectural Partnership
Biography
No biography is currently available for this construction professional
Construction Details
Start Year
1928
Type
Original Construction
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Other Information
This place was identified as significant under previous legislation with different information requirements. It remains significant under the current legislation. There is opportunity under our legislation and policies to add to this information. Further information about this place may be available from the Central Regional Office of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions. This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. The following text is the original citation considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Information in square brackets indicate modifications made after the paper was considered by the NZHPT Board.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Other Information
This place was identified as significant under previous legislation with different information requirements. It remains significant under the current legislation. There is opportunity under our legislation and policies to add to this information. Further information about this place may be available from the Central Regional Office of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions. This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. The following text is the original citation considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Information in square brackets indicate modifications made after the paper was considered by the NZHPT Board.
Former Usages
General Usage: Trade
Specific Usage: Office building/Offices
Former Usages
General Usage: Trade
Specific Usage: Office building/Offices
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