Commercial Building

• 1908 - 1909
• Building constructed (00053:148:8200)
• 1997
• Seismic strengthening 1997 (SR34897)

• 1910 - 1925
• Archer's Drapery Store (Stones 1910-11, 1915-16, 1920, 1925)
• 1930
• Perry's Drapers (Stones 1930)
• 1935 - 1955
• Russell & Co, grocers (Stones 1935, 1940, 1945, Wises 1955)
• 1961 - 1972
• Lewis' Stores, grocers (Wises 1961-62, 1967-68, 1971-72)
• 1975 - 1980
• GHB Wilkinson Ltd (Wises 1975, 1980)
• 1985
• Presbyterian Op-shop (Wises 1985)
• 1990
• Ceramixx (Wises 1990)
• 1996
• – First floor offices used by Presbyterian Support Services Youth Social workers, a charitable organisation temporarily occupying the ground floor until the building is strengthened.
• unknown - 2011
• Workshop picture framers
• 2012
• Swonderful – retail space
• 2011
• Havana – first floor office

Not assessed

This fine Edwardian Classical masonry building of two tall storeys features an elaborately ornamented parapet, complete with balustrading, a central semi-circular pediment, acroterion and flagpole. The pediment is supported on large consoles which project from the plain entablature.

Acanthus-capped pilasters at either end of the carefully composed facade have stylised Corinthian capitals. The five square-headed windows are deeply recessed and have bracketed hoods over them. The bull-nosed verandah over the footpath is an authentic refurbished Edwardian element, and two of the cast iron posts are original. Despite modifications to the shop fronts, the facade of the building is in reasonably authentic condition and contributes to the streetscape.

The construction features a reinforced concrete frame with unreinforced brick infill on concrete foundations. The ground and first floors are reinforced concrete overlaid with totara joists and kauri tongue-and-groove flooring.

The building sits among a row of old and modern buildings of varying scales and architecture on Cuba Street between Vivian Street and Abel Smith Street.

The building is adjoined on either side by two temporary-looking modern single storey buildings.

On the other side of the road is the Wellington Trawlers complex, including a small modern single-storey street-front shop and a parking area and several other unremarkable modern commercial buildings set back from the street front. On the south side of the gap is a group of small Victorian timber buildings. This combination of smaller buildings and open space helps gives this part of Cuba Street a more open aspect than the blocks to the north.

• 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?

  This two-storey masonry building has architectural value for its carefully composed Edwardian Classical façade which features the most elaborately ornamented parapet on Cuba Street.

• 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 is part of a group of Edwardian commercial buildings on Cuba Street which contributes positively to the Cuba Street Heritage Area.

• 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?

  The building, with its ornate facade, makes a distinct contribution to the Cuba Street precinct.

• Association1

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

  This building has historic value for its association with the designer, notable Wellington architect William Chatfield.

• Association2

  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.

• Archaeological

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

  It is known that there has been pre-1900 human activity on the site; hence this site has potential archaeological value.

• 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.

• 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 facade of the building is in reasonably authentic condition with a high level of original detailing, despite modifications to the ground floor shop front.

• 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, as it contributes to the Cuba Street Heritage Area.

• Representative

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

  The building is representative of the architecture and history found in Cuba Street.

Not assessed

• Cyclopedia Co. Ltd, “Chatfield, Willam Charles”, in The Cyclopedia of New Zealand: Wellington Provincial District (Wellington: The Cyclopedia Company Limited, 1897), accessed 17 September 2012,
• Cyclopedia Co. Ltd, “Sidey, Francis and Co.”, The Cyclopedia of New Zealand: Wellington Provincial District (Wellington: The Cyclopedia Company Limited, 1897), accessed 17 September 2012,
• Historic Places Trust, “Chatfield, William Charles - Architect”, Professional Biographies. Accessed 17 September 2012.
• Kelly, Michael, and Russell Murray, Cuba Street Heritage Area Report. (Wellington City Council: Unpublished report, prepared for Plan Change 48, 2006).
• Wellington City Council, “241-243 Cuba Street”, Wellington Heritage Building Inventory 2001: Non-Residential Buildings. (Wellington City Council, 2001), CUBA 34.
• Wellington City Council, Cuba Street Heritage Area spreadsheet (block 5). (Wellington City Council: Unpublished report, prepared for Plan Change 48, 2006).
• Newspapers: Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 60, 8 September 1926, Page 10.
• Newspapers: Wellington City Council Records
• Newspapers: “Heritage building - 241-243 Cuba Street - GHB Wilkinson Building”, 1041-06-CUB241 vol.1, Wellington City Council Records.
• Newspapers: Land Information New Zealand, CT190/4

• Inventory Report
• 1920 specifications and plans

Not available