Griffith’s Building (Former)

Griffith’s Building, Griffith’s Chambers, Courtenay Market, 31 Courtenay Place, 33 Courtenay Place, 35 Courtenay Place, 37 Courtenay Place

31 - 39 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington
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Nos. 31-33 is the building on the left, Nos. 35-37 is in the middle and No. 39 is on the right. (Image: Charles Collins, 2015)

Nos. 31-33 is the building on the left, Nos. 35-37 is in the middle and No. 39 is on the right. (Image: WCC - Charles Collins, 2015) 

Cityview GIS 2012
Cityview GIS 2012 
Original plan, elevation and cross section for the shops, 1917. (WCC Archives 00053:190:10442)
Original plan, elevation and cross section for the shops, 1917. (WCC Archives 00053:190:10442)
Original plan, elevation and cross section for the second two shops, built adjoining the first two shops and identical in construction, 1917. (WCC Archives reference 00053:190:10477)
Original plan, elevation and cross section for the second two shops, built adjoining the first two shops and identical in construction, 1917. (WCC Archives reference 00053:190:10477)
Map

  • Constructed

    1917 - 1917

  • Heritage Area

    Courtenay Place Heritage Area

  • Architect(s)

    James Bennie

  • Builder(s)

    W.R. Johns

  • Nos. 35-37 and 39 were designed by the accomplished and prolific architect James Bennie

    Nos. 31-33, 35-37 and 39 contribute to the streetscape of the Courtenay Place Heritage Area. In particular, the Queen Anne elements on Nos. 35-39 Courtenay Place are a highly unusual and distinctive architectural flourish in Wellington. 

    This building has been occupied by a variety of small businesses for over 90 years and is associated with the commercial development of Courtenay Place.

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  • close History

    • The Griffith’s Building appears to have been built in three stages. There are no longer any plans in existence for the easternmost building at 31-33 Courtenay Place and its date of construction is uncertain, but it is believed to have been the first of the group to be constructed.

      The design of the next two buildings at Nos. 35-37 and No. 39 Courtenay Place are identical, each containing two shops. They were constructed in rapid succession in 1917 to a design by architect James Bennie for businessman Charles Archibald Griffiths. The estimated cost of the work was £1500 and the builder responsible was W. R. Johns. Bennie and Johns were at this time also responsible for the design and construction of the Paramount Theatre next door that same year.

      An assortment of small businesses have occupied the building in the past, and in particular, a number of dressmakers, but also a photographer, a seed merchant, a manufacturers representative and at least two cafes. A number of the early occupants were involved in fashion and apparel design and manufacturing. Cody & Co. Ltd., drapers, sold suits and other apparel with ‘unbeatable prices’ in the late 1910s and early 1920s at Nos. 31-35. In the 1930s other occupants included women’s dressmakers Charles Le Clerq, who had a fitting room and workroom on the upper level. Russell, another women’s tailor, also occupied one of the rooms in the 1930s.

      There were also a variety of other occupants. Andrew Williams, a music seller and importer, sold the latest popular hits in a shop on the ground floor from the 1920s through to the 1930s. H.M. Lauchlan and Co, manufacturers representatives, also occupied space in the premises and Robert Nicol, merchants, sold seeds under the slogan ‘New Zealand Reaps What She Sows’. Mr. Robson, a photographer, also occupied a room in the building. The Savoy Café was the first café on the premises. It opened as one of the original occupants in 1917 and operated on the ground floor until the late 1930s. The Sahara Café opened in 1962 and, lnow flanked by the KC Cafe and Cha Restaurant, still operates there today.

      The premises has undergone many alterations. A major extension was built at the rear of the buildings in 1923 at a cost of £2,365. When the premises was damaged by fire originating in a darkroom in the building the following year, repairs were undertaken shortly after. Another small fire in 1931 also caused heat and smoke damage to the building.

      The buildings have also undergone seismic strengthening. In 1983 all three structures were strengthened at a cost of $71,540. In 2009 a permit for seismic strengthening was issued in 2009 at a proposed cost of $50,000.

    • Modifications close
      • 1917
      • Nos. 35-39 Courtenay Place are designed by architect was James Bennie and constructed by builders W. R. Johns. (00053:190:10442)
      • 1919
      • Additions to the interior and front of No. 31-33. (00053:196:10833 and 00053:197:10892)
      • 1922
      • Alterations to No. 39. to a value of £330. (00055:3:A255)
      • 1923
      • An extension is built at the rear of the shops, facing on to Forresters Lane at a cost of £2,365. (00055:10:A971)
      • 236
      • Alterations made to No.35. (00055:16:A1560)
      • unknown
      • Fire damages the building and repairs are undertaken by builder G. Dick.(00055:32:A3001)
      • 1924
      • Fire damages the building and repairs are undertaken by builder G. Dick.(00055:32:A3001)
      • 1933
      • Shop fronts and verandah of Nos. 35-39 are altered. (00056:138:B12541)
      • 1936
      • No.35-37 shop front remodelled. (00056:168:B14839 and 00056:182:B15965)
      • 1937
      • No. 39 additions and alterations. (00056:197:B17208)
      • 1938
      • No. 35-39 partitions built. (00056:214:B18408)
      • 1953
      • No. 37 window altered. (00056:452:B34321)
      • 1962
      • No. 39 café alterations at a cost of £1200 for the new Cathay Cafe. (00058:241:C10751)
      • 1966
      • No. 37 building alterations. (00058:467:C20051)
      • 1971
      • No. 39 shop front reinstated. (00058:716:C32549)
      • 1983
      • Nos. 31-39 Seismic strengthening undertaken on all three structures at a cost of $71,540. (00058:0:C63774)
      • 1986
      • Nos. 31-33 removal of internal division wall at a cost of $2,040. (00059:0:D3201)
      • 1987
      • Nos. 31-39 alterations. (00059:122:D7162)
      • 1991
      • No. 37 business additions and alterations. (00059:463:E22539)
      • 1994
      • No. 31 commercial alterations. (00061:30:10871)
      • 1997
      • No. 31 signage. (00078:413:35583)
      • 2002
      • No. 31 shop alterations to install an ATM. (00078:1762:87888)
      • 2003
      • No. 39 Sahara Café takeaway bar installed on the ground level. (00078:1138:108643)
      • 2009
      • Nos. 31-39 seismic strengthening proposed at a cost of $50,000. (00078:3178:198013)
    • Occupation History close
      • unknown
      • Occupants included:
      • unknown
      • Cody & Co. Ltd., drapers Cody & Co. Ltd., drapers (Stones 1920); Williams & Andrew, music seller & importer (Stones 1920 - 1930); Savoy Cafe ‚ (Stones 1920 - 1935); Robert Nicol, seed merchant (Stones 1920 - 1930).
  • close Architectural Information
    • Building Classification(s) close

      Not assessed

    • Architecture close

      The Griffith’s Building is among the more interesting and adventurous designs in Courtenay Place. The buildings were originally built in three distinct phases. The first to be built was 31-33 Courtenay Place, with its unified façade with three bay windows. The Queen Anne elements on the elaborate steeped parapets are particularly noteworthy. This was followed by the identical pair of buildings at 35-37 and 39 Courtenay Place that were each designed with two groups of three casement windows set below a pair of stylised gables. As a group they provide eye-catching interest in the silhouette of the two storey buildings that form this part of the south side of Courtenay Place.

    • Materials close

      Masonry structure, cement render, painted timber joinery.

    • Setting close

      The Griffith’s Building occupies a prominent site on the south side of Courtenay Place in the Courtenay Place Heritage Area. It is part of a block of buildings whose continuous line still emphasise the original survey line.

      The Griffith’s Building sits in the middle of the block of largely two-storeyed buildings between Cambridge Terrace and Tory Street. The other buildings in this block are diverse in nature and age but, despite some particularly intrusive modern buildings, have a high streetscape quality which contributes significantly to the heritage value and character of Courtenay Place as a whole.

      Immediately to the east of the building is the Paramount Theatre. Built in the same year and designed by the same architect as No. 35-39 Courtenay Place, the theatre dominates this part of Courtenay Place. Architecturally the two neighbours have little else in common.

      Immediately to the west of the Griffith’s Building is a pair of narrow and low two-storey buildings. No. 41 has a distinctive upper façade with square Doric pilasters at each side rising through a strong cornice and bracketing round headed windows divided by fluted pilasters, each capped with palmettes. Next door, Stewart’s Building is an even smaller two-storey masonry building. The main feature of its street façade is the complex bay window set within a segmental arch at the top floor. The streetscape value of this building is diminished by a clumsy, modern smoker’s balcony set above the verandah.

  • close Cultural Value

    Nos. 35-37 and 39 were designed by the accomplished and prolific architect James Bennie

    Nos. 31-33, 35-37 and 39 contribute to the streetscape of the Courtenay Place Heritage Area. In particular, the Queen Anne elements on Nos. 35-39 Courtenay Place are a highly unusual and distinctive architectural flourish in Wellington. 

    This building has been occupied by a variety of small businesses for over 90 years and is associated with the commercial development of Courtenay Place.

    • Aesthetic Value close

      • Architectural

        Does the item have architectural or artistic value for characteristics that may include its design, style, era, form, scale, materials, colour, texture, patina of age, quality of space, craftsmanship, smells, and sounds?

        The Griffith’s Building is among the more interesting and adventurous designs in Courtenay Place. The Queen Anne elements on the eastern portion of the buildings are particularly noteworthy for the elaborate stepped profile of the parapets.

      • Group

        Is the item part of a group of buildings, structures, or sites that taken together have coherence because of their age, history, style, scale, materials, or use?

        31a-39 Courtenay Place is part of an important group of heritage buildings which together form the Courtenay Place Heritage Area. Although most of the buildings were constructed in the first half of the 20th century, there are significant differences in age and style among some of the buildings in this group.

      • Townscape

        Does the item have townscape value for the part it plays in defining a space or street; providing visual interest; its role as a landmark; or the contribution it makes to the character and sense of place of Wellington?

        As a group they provide eye-catching interest in the silhouette of the two storey buildings that form this part of the south side of Courtenay Place.

    • Historic Value close

      • Association

        Is the item associated with an important historic event, theme, pattern, phase, or activity?

        31a-39 Courtenay Place has been on the site for over 90 years and has been part of the commercial development of Courtenay Place.

      • Association

        Is the item associated with an important person, group, or organisation?

        The architect was James Bennie, an accomplished and prolific architect Wellington architect, who also designed the adjacent Paramount Theatre.

    • Scientific Value close

      • Archaeological

        Does the item have archaeological value for its ability to provide scientific information about past human activity?

        There was pre-1900 human activity on this site. Although some of the sites have been altered by rebuilding or landscaping or subdivisional change, there is archaeological value in the immediate surrounds.

    • Social Value close

      • Identity Sense Of Place Continuity

        Is the item a focus of community, regional, or national identity? Does the item contribute to sense of place or continuity?

        The building is part of a group of commercial buildings on Courtenay Place which contribute to the sense of place or continuity of the Courtenay Place Heritage Area.

    • Level of Cultural Heritage Significance close

      • Authentic

        Does the item have authenticity or integrity because it retains significant fabric from the time of its construction or from later periods when important additions or modifications were carried out?

        The buildings’ facade above verandah level has authenticity of design, materials and craftsmanship.

      • Rare

        Is the item rare, unique, unusual, seminal, influential, or outstanding?

        There are few if any commercial buildings in Wellington that feature Queen Anne elements on their principal facades.

      • Importance

        Is the item important for any of the above characteristics at a local, regional, national, or international level?

        This building is of local importance for its contribution to the Courtenay Place Heritage Area.

    • Local / Regional / National / International Importance close

      Not assessed

  • close Site Detail

    • District Plan Number

      16/63.4 (front facade - first floor and above)

    • Legal Description

      Lots 2 & 3 DP 2277 & Pt Sec 277

    • Heritage New Zealand Listed

      2/Historic Place 3652

    • Archaeological Site

      Central City NZAA R27/270

    • Current Uses

      unknown

    • Former Uses

      unknown

    • Has building been funded

      No

    • Funding Amount

      Not applicable

    • Earthquake Prone Status

      124 Notice

  • close Additional Information
    • Sources close
      • CT WN11/5, Land Information New Zealand
      • CT WN23D/567, Land Information New Zealand
      • Historic Places Trust, “Bennie, James”, Professional Biographies, Accessed: August 2012,
      • Kelly, Michael and Russell Murray, Courtenay Place Heritage Area Report. (Welllington City Council: Unpublished report, prepared for Plan Change 48, 2006).
      • Wellington City Council, Courtenay Place Heritage Area spreadsheet. Wellington City Council: Unpublished report, prepared for Plan Change 48, 2006.
      • Wellington City Council, Wellington Heritage Building Inventory 2001: Non-Residential Buildings. Wellington City Council, 2001.
      • Archives: “31-39 Courtenay Place [35-37 Courtenay Place], shop”, 29 Jan 1917, 00053:190:10442, Wellington City Council.
      • Archives: “31-39 Courtenay Place [39 Courtenay Place], two shops”, 24 Mar 1917, 00053:190:10477, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “31-33 Courtenay Place, additions”, 14 Mar 1919, 00053:196:10833, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “31-33 Courtenay Place, additions”, 14 Mar 1919, 00053:196:10833, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “31-33 Courtenay Place, additions to front of building”, 07 Jun 1919, 00053:197:10892, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “39 Courtenay Place, alterations”, 29 Jun 1922, 00055:3:A255, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “31-35 Courtenay Place, add to buildings”, 12 Jan 1923, 00055:10:A971, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “35 Courtenay Place, alterations”, 15 Jun 1923, 00055:16:A1560, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “37 Courtenay Place, reinstatement of fire-damaged premises”, 12 Jun 1924, 00055:32:A3001, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “31-39 Courtenay Place, shop fronts and verandah”, 26 Aug 1933, 00056:138:B12541, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “37 Courtenay Place, shop front”, 31 Jan 1936, 00056:168:B14839, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “37 Courtenay Place, remodel shop front”, 26 Nov 1936, 00056:182:B15965, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “39 Courtenay Place, additions and alterations”, 02 Nov 1937, 00056:197:B17208, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “31-39 Courtenay Place [35-39 Courtenay Place], partitions”, 19 Oct 1938, 00056:214:B18408, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “31 Courtenay Place, neon sign”, 17 Jul 1939, 00056:232:B19532, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “37 Courtenay Place, V Sign”, 19 Jun 1952, 00056:433:B33038, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “37 Courtenay Place, alter window”, 10 Apr 1953, 00056:452:B34321, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “33 Courtenay Place, sign”, 17 Apr 1953, 00056:452:B34355, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “39 Courtenay Place, café alterations”, 06 Jul 1962, 00058:241:C10751, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “37 Courtenay Place, building alterations - shop and factory”, 10 Aug 1966, 00058:467:C20051, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “39 Courtenay Place, reinstate shop front”, 03 Feb 1971, 00058:716:C32549, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “31-39 Courtenay Place, seismic strengthening”, 29 Nov 1983, 00058:0:C63774, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “31-39 Courtenay Place [31-33 Courtenay Place], removal of internal division wall”, 22 Sep 1986, 00059:0:D3201, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “33-39 Courtenay Place [31-35 Courtenay Place], business alterations”, 1987, 00059:122:D7162, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “37 Courtenay Place, business additions and alterations – restaurant”, 1991, 00059:463:E22539, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “31 Courtenay Place [35-37 Courtenay Place], commercial alteration”, 13 Dec 1994, 00061:30:10871, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “31 Courtenay Place, signage”, 1997, 00078:413:35583, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “31 Courtenay Place [31-35 Courtenay Place], shop alterations”, 2002, 00078:1762:87888, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “39 Courtenay Place, takeaway bar, ground floor”, 2003, 00078:1138:108643, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “31 Courtenay Place, proposed seismic strengthening”, 2009, 00078:3178:198013, Wellington City Archives.
      • Newspapers: “Fire In Courtenay Place”, Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 39, 16 February 1931,.
      • Newspapers: “Fire In Wellington”, Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 129, 2 June 1924,.
      • Newspapers: “Page 1 Advertisement Column 2”, Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 75, 25 September 1930.
      • Newspapers: “Page 1 Advertisements Column 9”, Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 22, 26 July 1923.
      • Newspapers: “Page 3 Advertisements Column 4”, Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 65, 19 March 1919.
    • Technical Documentation close
    • Footnotes close

      Not available

Last updated: 4/20/2017 3:49:38 AM