People's Palace Hotel (Former) north annexe

People's Palace; 203 Cuba Street

203 - 205 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
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Photo: Charles Collins, 2014

Image: WCC - Charles Collins, 2014

Extent: Cityview GIS 2013
Extent: Cityview GIS 2013
1904 203 Cuba Street, two shops and dwellings (00053:113:6236)

1904 -  203 Cuba Street, two shops and dwellings (WCC Archives reference 00053:113:6236)

Map

  • Constructed

    1904

  • Heritage Area

    Cuba Street Heritage Area

  • Architect(s)

    James O'Dea

  • Builder(s)

    Alfred Seamer

  • The former People’s Palace (1904 north annexe) is a particularly fine representative example of an Edwardian Classical commercial building that was converted for use as a hotel. It is notable for its well-modelled, carefully articulated and well-proportioned symmetrical Cuba Street façade. The building has a relatively sensitive modern roof-top addition that is date-stamped ‘2003’. 

    The building is associated with the Salvation Army, who first leased it between 1916 and 1928, then owned it between 1928 and 1986, first using it as their head office and then converting it as an addition to the adjoining ‘People’s Palace’ (1908) their ‘temperance’ or liquor-free hotel. It was designed by prominent local architect, James O’Dea. 

    The building is associated with the Salvation Army, who first leased it between 1916 and 1928, then owned it between 1928 and 1986, first using it as their head office and then converting it as an addition to the adjoining ‘People’s Palace’ (1908) their ‘temperance’ or liquor-free hotel. 

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  • close History

    • This building was designed by architect James O’Dea and built for Dr Patrick Mackin. It was constructed in 1904 by builder Alfred Seamer in load-bearing brick masonry, with timber floor joists. It was originally constructed as two shops on the ground floor, with commercial premises on the upper floors.

      In 1916 The Salvation Army took over the lease on the property and used the building as their national headquarters. In 1928 they purchased the property and converted it to form an addition to the original People’s Palace (WCC ref 16/89.4). The “People’s Palace” (1904) lettering on the entablature was presumably added at this time. In 1986 following nearly 78 years of operation, the hotel was sold to the Presbyterian Church, who soon on-sold it. The building was then converted to the budget hotel “Trekkers.”

      Between 2000 and 2004, 203 Cuba Street underwent a series of alterations and received seismic strengthening as part of a large two-hotel ‘CQ’ development. This development also incorporates the former People’s Palace Hotel, the timber façade of 221-225 Cuba (WCC 16/89.5), and the façade of a pleasant c.1920 two-storey stripped Classical commercial building (WCC Cuba St Heritage Area – contributor).  An additional floor was to 203 Cuba Street at this time. The addition is in the same architectural style as the People’s Palace hotel buildings, but has been set back from the original parapet and date-stamped ‘2003’.

      The former “Peoples Palace” (1904) is a well known feature of Cuba Street, and is part of the unique group of buildings which create the significant historic streetscape of the Cuba precinct. This building is sited in the Cuba Street Heritage Area and makes a positive contribution to this significant collection of heritage buildings. The scale, materials and style of this building all contribute to the townscape values of Cuba Street.

    • Modifications close
      • 1904
      • 203 Cuba Street, two shops and dwellings (00053:113:6236)
      • 1917
      • 203-219 Cuba Street, additions to the Peoples Palace (00053:192:10544)
      • 1928
      • 203-219 Cuba Street, covered way (00056:49:B4817)
      • 1932
      • 203-219 Cuba Street, drying room (00056:132:B12032)
      • 1933
      • 203-219 Cuba Street, wall (00056:142:B12811)
      • 1941
      • 203-219 Cuba Street, office alterations (00056:260:B21307)
      • 1943
      • 203-219 Cuba Street, Verandah (00056:282:B22640)
      • 1944
      • 203-219 Cuba Street, alterations to premises (00056:289:B23127)
      • 1963
      • 203-219 Cuba Street, building additions - mezzanine floor (00058:290:C12732)
      • 1965
      • 203-219 Cuba Street, building alterations - passenger lift (00058:426:C18246)
      • 1965
      • 203-219 Cuba Street, building alterations – entrance (00058:426:C18247)
      • 1966
      • 203-219 Cuba Street, building alterations - boiler room (00058:463:C19906)
      • 1971
      • 203-219 Cuba Street, building alterations – shop (00058:720:C32687)
      • 1979
      • 203-219 Cuba Street, alterations to bakehouse etc (00058:1213:C51979)
      • 1987
      • 203-237 Cuba Street, part demolition and shop alterations (00059:110:D6793)
      • 1987
      • 203-237 Cuba Street, business additions and alterations (00059:141:D7734)
      • 1990
      • 203-237 Cuba Street, office building additions and alterations (00059:432:E21607)
      • 1991
      • 203 Cuba Street, tower installation for cellular telephone network (00059:452:E22181)
      • 1991
      • 203 Cuba Street, business additions and alterations (00059:489:E23485)
      • 1991
      • 203 Cuba Street, business additions and alterations (00059:503:E23910)
      • 1992
      • 203 Cuba Street, business additions and alterations (00059:563:E25787)
      • 1992
      • 203 Cuba Street, Trekkers Hotel - business additions and alterations (00059:576:E26236)
      • 1993
      • 203 Cuba Street, plumbing alteration (00060:90:3330)
      • 1994
      • 203 Cuba Street, entries (00060:116:4231)
      • 1995
      • 203 Cuba Street, restaurant alterations (00061:82:12527)
      • unknown
      • 203 Cuba Street, bar alterations (00061:111:13644)
      • 1997
      • 203 Cuba Street, Trekkers Hotel - Conservatory Bar - additional toilets and storage areas (00078:509:30965)
      • 1997
      • 203 Cuba Street, conversion of dairy to hair salon (00078:510:36930)
      • 1998
      • 203 Cuba Street, installation of new grease trap for cafe bar (00078:141:41417)
      • 1999
      • 203 Cuba Street, new fire exit door (00078:2476:52493)
      • 2000
      • 203 Cuba Street, seismic strengthening and fitout of new restaurant (00078:523:67781)
      • 2001
      • 203 Cuba Street, seismic upgrade to ground floor, alterations to WC (00078:1065:81917)
      • 2002
      • 203 Cuba Street, seismic upgrade to levels 1 and 2, additions to level 3, new interior levels 1 and 2, upgrade of office/reception and stairs (00078:1070:86099)
      • 2004
      • 203 Cuba Street, removal of AFA monitoring of alarms and replacement with private monitoring (00078:1409:123029)
      • 2006
      • 203 Cuba Street, hotel alterations (00078:2224:145340)
      • 2007
      • 203 Cuba Street, new flats (00078:1988:163646 Pt 1)
      • 2007
      • 203 Cuba Street, new flats (00078:1989:163646 Pt 2)
      • 2010
      • 203 Cuba Street, fit-out of retail store for a hair salon on the ground floor, including plumbing works (00078:3220:209220)
    • Occupation History close
      • 1910 - 1911
      • John Innes, restaurateur (203) (Stones1910-1911),
      • 1915 - 1916
      • Matthew Younger, restaurateur (203) (Stones1915-16),
      • 1915 - 1951
      • Salvation Army Headquarters (205)(Stones1915-16,1920, 1925,1930, 1935,1940,1945, Wises1950-51)
      • unknown
      • Various retail tenants include hand-bag manufacturer, army surplus store, photographers (Rainbow Photographic studio Wises1971-72, 1975, 1980,1985) & a cake kitchen
      • 1986
      • Trekkers Hotel
  • close Architectural Information
    • Building Classification(s) close

      Not assessed

    • Architecture close

      The building has a simplified Edwardian Classical façade, symmetrical about the centre, and almost identical in detailing over both upper floors. There are pilasters at the corners and in the centre of each storey. A cornice divides the first and second floors. The double hung windows are paired on a double arched system with fluted pilasters and heavy voissoirs. Another cornice caps the building with heavy consoles at either end. The stepped pediment has a sunrise motif and the date “1904” at the centre. 

      There is a modern rooftop addition completed in a similar style to the original building. It steps back from the parapet line and is date stamped ‘2003’. 

    • Materials close
      Load bearing brick masonry
      Timber floor joists 

    • Setting close

      The northern annexe of the former People’s Palace at 203 Cuba Street is part of a large two-hotel ‘CQ’ development that also incorporates the former Railton/People’s Palace Hotel (WCC 16/89.4), the timber façade of 221-225 Cuba (WCC 16/89.5), and the façade of a pleasant c.1920 two-storey stripped Classical commercial building (WCC Cuba St Heritage Area – contributor).  The two retained facades form part of the street-edge of the southernmost hotel in this development. The bulk of the hotel is set back from the street in the form of two, tall, towers that are somewhat taller than their neighbours. The jumbled grey modern shop-fronts to the south complete the hotel development and are, along with the functional Ellmers building (with its distinctive concrete ‘shod’ verandah posts), non-contributors to the Heritage Area.

      The ‘CQ’ hotel development is set in the Cuba Street Heritage Area on a section of Cuba Street between Vivian and Abel Smith streets. This stretch of Cuba Street has a startling entrance at the southern end of great architectural and cultural contrast. It sets the extremely dignified former National Bank building (now up-market restaurant Logan Brown) opposite the simple, if dignified, Morgan’s building. The remainder of the block has undergone considerable change in the last 20 years which has impacted on the overall integrity of the heritage streetscape. The scale of the block is predominantly two and three storeys, with the notable exception of the current and future hotel complex and Booth House. The street edge line is fragmented in this block with many gaps and breaks and the heritage character of the street is undermined with many poorly-considered modern buildings. There are, however, some individual buildings that have high heritage value and remain a strong presence in the streetscape.

      The building makes a positive contribution to the Cuba Street Heritage Area.

  • close Cultural Value
    The former People’s Palace (1904 north annexe) is a particularly fine representative example of an Edwardian Classical commercial building that was converted for use as a hotel. It is notable for its well-modelled, carefully articulated and well-proportioned symmetrical Cuba Street façade. The building has a relatively sensitive modern roof-top addition that is date-stamped ‘2003’. 

    The building is associated with the Salvation Army, who first leased it between 1916 and 1928, then owned it between 1928 and 1986, first using it as their head office and then converting it as an addition to the adjoining ‘People’s Palace’ (1908) their ‘temperance’ or liquor-free hotel. It was designed by prominent local architect, James O’Dea. 

    The building is associated with the Salvation Army, who first leased it between 1916 and 1928, then owned it between 1928 and 1986, first using it as their head office and then converting it as an addition to the adjoining ‘People’s Palace’ (1908) their ‘temperance’ or liquor-free hotel. 


    • 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 former People’s Palace (1904 north annexe) is a particularly fine representative example of an Edwardian Classical commercial building that was converted for use as a hotel. It is notable for its well-modelled, carefully articulated and well-proportioned symmetrical Cuba Street façade. The building has a relatively sensitive modern roof-top addition that is date-stamped ‘2003’. 

      • 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?

        This building was converted in 1928 to form an addition to the adjoining original People’s Palace (1908) by the Salvation Army who owned both buildings. It is a part of a group of buildings that were owned by the organisation in Cuba Street. 

      • 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?

        This building has significant townscape value for the visual interest that it adds to the Cuba Streetscape and as a part of the Cuba Street Heritage Area. The scale, materials and style of this building contribute to the townscape of Cuba Street. 

    • Historic Value close

      • Association

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

        The building is associated with the Salvation Army, who first leased it between 1916 and 1928, then owned it between 1928 and 1986, first using it as their head office and then converting it as an addition to the adjoining ‘People’s Palace’ (1908) their ‘temperance’ or liquor-free hotel.

        It was designed by prominent local architect, James O’Dea. 

      • Association

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

        The building also has historic value for its association with the strong growth and development of Cuba Street during the Edwardian period, which resulted in the building of many fine commercial buildings.

    • Scientific Value close

      • Archaeological

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

        This building is included in the NZAA Central City Archaeological Area R2/270, is in an area known to have had pre 1900 human activity, and known to have sites of 

        significance to Maori. The likelihood of archaeological materials being present is likely. 


    • 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?

        This building is part of a group of Edwardian commercial buildings on Cuba Street which contribute to the sense of place and continuity of the Cuba Street 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 exterior of this building retains significant amounts of original material, including some of the original shop fronts, and has had few modifications that impact upon it negatively. Despite the additional storey, this building has authenticity and integrity, of materials, design, workmanship, and setting. 

      • Local Regional National International

        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 Cuba Street Heritage Area. It is a representative building, designed by a prominent architect. It retains economic and functional uses as well as retaining a significant amount of original material and authenticity.

      • Representative

        Is the item a good example of the class it represents?

        The building is representative of the architecture and history found on Cuba Street. It has a distinctive character and adds significantly to the lively streetscape of Cuba Street. 

    • Local / Regional / National / International Importance close

      Not assessed

  • close Site Detail

    • District Plan Number

      16/89.3 (front facade)

    • Legal Description

      Pt Sec 128 Town of Wellington, (Lot 1 DP 366988)

    • Heritage New Zealand Listed

      2/Historic Place 5359

    • Archaeological Site

      NZAA Central City Archaeological Area R27/270

    • Current Uses

      unknown

    • Former Uses

      unknown

    • Has building been funded

      No

    • Funding Amount

      Not applicable

    • Earthquake Prone Status

      Not Earthquake Prone

  • close Additional Information

Last updated: 10/17/2017 3:48:11 AM