The building was originally two storeys, having an ornate facade on its seaward side emblazoned with the company name. Like the nearby Colonial Sugar Refining Company Building (see 'Wharf Police Building'), it contained offices and storage, the latter being used for freight in transit. The storage area was reached through a cart passage towards one side of the building, while the remainder of the facade was symmetrical. Constructed of brick, the building was reorganised as business fortunes altered. An extra storey was added in the prosperous 1920s, using a similar style, while internal alterations were made as offices were let during the company's post-war decline. Following the winding up of the Northern Company in the 1970s, the interior was largely gutted and modifications were made to the western wall, which required strengthening after an adjacent building was demolished.
The Northern Steamship Company Building is one of the few nineteenth-century wharfside structures to survive in central Auckland, and reflects the city's role as a major port at the end of the colonial period. It is of national and regional importance for its links with the Northern Steamship Company, which was instrumental in the kauri gum, timber, farming and early tourism industries, and also provided social contact between coastal communities. The building is a visible reminder of the time when the wharfside area was a hub of maritime activity and makes a significant contribution to the historical fabric and appearance of the waterfront. Its value is enhanced by its proximity to related historical buildings, particularly the adjacent Union Fish Company building, which was used to repair Northern Company vessels, and is an important part of the Quay Street Historic Area.
List Entry Information
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
622
Date Entered
27th July 1988
Date of Effect
27th July 1988
City/District Council
Auckland Council
Region
Auckland Council
Extent of List Entry
Extent includes the land described as Lot 1 DP 361222 (RT 277786), North Auckland Land District, and the building known as the Northern Steamship Company Building thereon, and its fittings and fixtures.
Legal description
Lot 1 DP 361222 (RT 277786), North Auckland Land District
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
622
Date Entered
27th July 1988
Date of Effect
27th July 1988
City/District Council
Auckland Council
Region
Auckland Council
Extent of List Entry
Extent includes the land described as Lot 1 DP 361222 (RT 277786), North Auckland Land District, and the building known as the Northern Steamship Company Building thereon, and its fittings and fixtures.
Legal description
Lot 1 DP 361222 (RT 277786), North Auckland Land District
Why is this place significant?
Historic Significance
Historical Significance or Value The building housed the Northern Steamship Company which played an important part in Auckland and Northland development in its reliance on shipping as a major means of transportation and communication. Auckland is dominated by its waterfront in several ways. Most of Auckland is not more than a few kilometres from the sea, and from the first days of European settlement until the development of efficient road and rail services later this century, the logical way of transport was by sea. Coastal trade was extensive and vital to the survival of Auckland and other settlements. In 1881 the Northern Steamship Co. was founded to become the first major steamship company to operate in Auckland waters. The company absorbed most of the individual ship-owners already operating. By 1898 the present building was opened in Quay Street as a testament to the company's prosperity. For over 50 years it served as a base for a coastal trade that centred around the Auckland province. Regular trips serviced the Coromandel peninsula, Tauranga, Bay of Islands and further north, the Hokianga, Great Barrier, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Raglan, and every other small coastal port in these areas. The steamship provided reliable transport for people, those on business, looking for work and those on everyday affairs. Sightseeing cruises and day trips were made to Auckland beaches, Kawau and further afield. Freight comprised of supplies to people in isolated communities and the products of various industries, Kauri gum and timber, flax and farming. After 1925 the company's business began to be undercut by road links and rail services. Passenger services declined considerably, and with the onset of the depression in the 1930s cargo carrying also declined. The company began diverging in their interests and the last ship voyage was made in 1974. Shortly afterward the Harbour Board purchased the building and it has been leased out to various businesses.
Physical Significance
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Northern Steamship Company offices show the importance shipping once held in the Auckland region. The company was actively seeking to replace 'old fashioned' steamers with new technology. Their new offices included advancements such as a telephone room. The Quay Street façade bore the Company logo and name and the central pediment included a flagpole with the company flag. The choice of site was important as it was in what was then the centre of Auckland's transport area. TOWNSCAPE/LANDMARK SIGNIFICANCE: This building forms an important part of the row of warehouses which give character to Quay Street. It contributes considerably, to the dockside atmosphere of the area.
Why is this place significant?
Historic Significance
Historical Significance or Value The building housed the Northern Steamship Company which played an important part in Auckland and Northland development in its reliance on shipping as a major means of transportation and communication. Auckland is dominated by its waterfront in several ways. Most of Auckland is not more than a few kilometres from the sea, and from the first days of European settlement until the development of efficient road and rail services later this century, the logical way of transport was by sea. Coastal trade was extensive and vital to the survival of Auckland and other settlements. In 1881 the Northern Steamship Co. was founded to become the first major steamship company to operate in Auckland waters. The company absorbed most of the individual ship-owners already operating. By 1898 the present building was opened in Quay Street as a testament to the company's prosperity. For over 50 years it served as a base for a coastal trade that centred around the Auckland province. Regular trips serviced the Coromandel peninsula, Tauranga, Bay of Islands and further north, the Hokianga, Great Barrier, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Raglan, and every other small coastal port in these areas. The steamship provided reliable transport for people, those on business, looking for work and those on everyday affairs. Sightseeing cruises and day trips were made to Auckland beaches, Kawau and further afield. Freight comprised of supplies to people in isolated communities and the products of various industries, Kauri gum and timber, flax and farming. After 1925 the company's business began to be undercut by road links and rail services. Passenger services declined considerably, and with the onset of the depression in the 1930s cargo carrying also declined. The company began diverging in their interests and the last ship voyage was made in 1974. Shortly afterward the Harbour Board purchased the building and it has been leased out to various businesses.
Physical Significance
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Northern Steamship Company offices show the importance shipping once held in the Auckland region. The company was actively seeking to replace 'old fashioned' steamers with new technology. Their new offices included advancements such as a telephone room. The Quay Street façade bore the Company logo and name and the central pediment included a flagpole with the company flag. The choice of site was important as it was in what was then the centre of Auckland's transport area. TOWNSCAPE/LANDMARK SIGNIFICANCE: This building forms an important part of the row of warehouses which give character to Quay Street. It contributes considerably, to the dockside atmosphere of the area.
Construction Professional
Name
Wilson, Arthur
Type
Architect
Biography
Architect Arthur Pollard Wilson F.N.Z.I.A (1851-1937) was born and educated in London. He trained in the office of William Oakley for ten years. During this time he undertook various works throughout England while studying architecture at London University. He established his own practice in 1880, but two years later emigrated to New Zealand settling in Auckland. Wilson gained commissions for many commercial buildings and designed residences for several prominent Aucklanders. He went into partnership with former pupil F.L. Moodie in 1910 and was elected to the New Zealand Institute of Architects in 1912. By the 1920s the firm had become Wilson, Moodie and Gillespie with the addition of third partner. Practising in Auckland until 1930, Wilson was a prolific designer. Between the late 1880s and the 1920s he designed many of the business premises in Auckland's commercial centre. Along with the firm E. Mahoney and Sons, he was one of the architects primarily responsible for the transformation of the Auckland city centre from a collection of small-scale buildings to the prosperous Victorian commercial centre of the early 1900s. Surviving examples of Wilson's designs in Auckland include the Naval and Family Hotel, Karangahape Road which was rebuilt after destruction by fire in 1894; the Northern Steamship Company premises Quay Street (1898) (NZHPT Registration # 622, Category I historic place); the Strand Arcade (1899-900) and reconstructed after fire (1910-1911); and the A.H. Nathan Warehouse (1903) (NZHPT Registration # 7296, Category II historic place) on Customs Street East. Other commercial buildings to Wilson's design included premises for Kempthorne Prosser in Albert Street (1899); for Sargood Briscoe MacNeil in Customs Street East; and John Chambers in nearby Fort Street (both 1900). The Australian Mutual Provident Society Building (1912) on the corner of Queen and Victoria Street East was designed by the Wilson and Moodie partnership.
Construction Details
Start Year
1879
Finish Year
1885
Type
Other
Description
Reclamation of land
Start Year
1898
Finish Year
1899
Type
Original Construction
Description
Construction of Northern Steamship Company Building
Start Year
1921
startYearCirca
Type
Addition
Description
Third storey added
Start Year
1946
Type
Modification
Description
Internal alterations
Start Year
1992
Type
Modification
Description
Alterations to west wall due to demolition of adjacent building, and interior stripped
Construction Materials
The Northern Steamship Building is constraucted of brick piers and English Bond infill. The base course and ground floor lintels are stone. The dressing and plaster.
Notable Features
The ground floor still has the original decorated glass with the companies initials. Registration covers the building, its fixtures and finishes. It also includes recent modifications. The building lies on nineteenth-century reclaimed land in Commercial Bay, next to the original Britomart Point and close to the site of the Gore Street wharf.
Construction Professional
Name
Wilson, Arthur
Type
Architect
Biography
Architect Arthur Pollard Wilson F.N.Z.I.A (1851-1937) was born and educated in London. He trained in the office of William Oakley for ten years. During this time he undertook various works throughout England while studying architecture at London University. He established his own practice in 1880, but two years later emigrated to New Zealand settling in Auckland. Wilson gained commissions for many commercial buildings and designed residences for several prominent Aucklanders. He went into partnership with former pupil F.L. Moodie in 1910 and was elected to the New Zealand Institute of Architects in 1912. By the 1920s the firm had become Wilson, Moodie and Gillespie with the addition of third partner. Practising in Auckland until 1930, Wilson was a prolific designer. Between the late 1880s and the 1920s he designed many of the business premises in Auckland's commercial centre. Along with the firm E. Mahoney and Sons, he was one of the architects primarily responsible for the transformation of the Auckland city centre from a collection of small-scale buildings to the prosperous Victorian commercial centre of the early 1900s. Surviving examples of Wilson's designs in Auckland include the Naval and Family Hotel, Karangahape Road which was rebuilt after destruction by fire in 1894; the Northern Steamship Company premises Quay Street (1898) (NZHPT Registration # 622, Category I historic place); the Strand Arcade (1899-900) and reconstructed after fire (1910-1911); and the A.H. Nathan Warehouse (1903) (NZHPT Registration # 7296, Category II historic place) on Customs Street East. Other commercial buildings to Wilson's design included premises for Kempthorne Prosser in Albert Street (1899); for Sargood Briscoe MacNeil in Customs Street East; and John Chambers in nearby Fort Street (both 1900). The Australian Mutual Provident Society Building (1912) on the corner of Queen and Victoria Street East was designed by the Wilson and Moodie partnership.
Construction Details
Start Year
1879
Finish Year
1885
Type
Other
Description
Reclamation of land
Start Year
1898
Finish Year
1899
Type
Original Construction
Description
Construction of Northern Steamship Company Building
Start Year
1921
startYearCirca
Type
Addition
Description
Third storey added
Start Year
1946
Type
Modification
Description
Internal alterations
Start Year
1992
Type
Modification
Description
Alterations to west wall due to demolition of adjacent building, and interior stripped
Construction Materials
The Northern Steamship Building is constraucted of brick piers and English Bond infill. The base course and ground floor lintels are stone. The dressing and plaster.
Notable Features
The ground floor still has the original decorated glass with the companies initials. Registration covers the building, its fixtures and finishes. It also includes recent modifications. The building lies on nineteenth-century reclaimed land in Commercial Bay, next to the original Britomart Point and close to the site of the Gore Street wharf.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION (Style): A neoclassical façade with a stone base course and 3 tiers, each of 5 bays, capped with a parapet with a pediment. The ground floor has a series of semicircular arches each with a keystone detail. The double pilasters topped with a console, on either side of the main doorway are unusual. MODIFICATIONS: The building was originally two storied with a parapet and central curved pediment. Both the Quay Street façade and the façade facing the now non existent railway lines running to Queen Street were pedimented. A second floor was added in the early 1920s and the pediment facing the railway yard was removed. This addition has an identical façade to the first floor. A triangular pediment replaced the original curved one, but the arch with the buildings date - 1989 - was replaced.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION (Style): A neoclassical façade with a stone base course and 3 tiers, each of 5 bays, capped with a parapet with a pediment. The ground floor has a series of semicircular arches each with a keystone detail. The double pilasters topped with a console, on either side of the main doorway are unusual. MODIFICATIONS: The building was originally two storied with a parapet and central curved pediment. Both the Quay Street façade and the façade facing the now non existent railway lines running to Queen Street were pedimented. A second floor was added in the early 1920s and the pediment facing the railway yard was removed. This addition has an identical façade to the first floor. A triangular pediment replaced the original curved one, but the arch with the buildings date - 1989 - was replaced.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Completion Date
15th August 2001
Report Written By
Martin Jones
Information Sources
Cooper, 1988 (2)
Mary Cooper and Noni Boyd, 'The Northern Steamship Company Ltd.[Building], 22-24 Quay Street, Auckland', NZHPT Buildings Classification Committee Report, Wellington, 1988 (held by NZHPT, Auckland)
McLean, 2001
Gavin McLean, Captain's Log: New Zealand's Maritime History, Auckland, 2001
New Zealand Herald
New Zealand Herald, 12 July 1932, p. 6; 28 September 1933, p. 6.
Salmond Architects, 1995
Salmond Architects, 'Britomart Heritage Assessment: An Analysis of Heritage Values Relating to Existing Buildings in the Britomart Development Project', Auckland, 1995 (held by NZHPT, Auckland)
Conservation Plan
Conservation Plan
Other Information
This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. This report includes the text from the original Building Classification Committee report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. 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.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Completion Date
15th August 2001
Report Written By
Martin Jones
Information Sources
Cooper, 1988 (2)
Mary Cooper and Noni Boyd, 'The Northern Steamship Company Ltd.[Building], 22-24 Quay Street, Auckland', NZHPT Buildings Classification Committee Report, Wellington, 1988 (held by NZHPT, Auckland)
McLean, 2001
Gavin McLean, Captain's Log: New Zealand's Maritime History, Auckland, 2001
New Zealand Herald
New Zealand Herald, 12 July 1932, p. 6; 28 September 1933, p. 6.
Salmond Architects, 1995
Salmond Architects, 'Britomart Heritage Assessment: An Analysis of Heritage Values Relating to Existing Buildings in the Britomart Development Project', Auckland, 1995 (held by NZHPT, Auckland)
Conservation Plan
Conservation Plan
Other Information
This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. This report includes the text from the original Building Classification Committee report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. 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.
Former Usages
General Usage: Trade
Specific Usage: Office building/Offices
General Usage: Trade
Specific Usage: Shop
General Usage: Trade
Specific Usage: Warehouse/storage area
Former Usages
General Usage: Trade
Specific Usage: Office building/Offices
General Usage: Trade
Specific Usage: Shop
General Usage: Trade
Specific Usage: Warehouse/storage area
Location
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