NZ Historic Places Trust's 1990 Proposal for Classification

The main part of the building is symmetrical; the entrance is flanked on either side by four partially arched windows with ornamental square-headed windows with hood mould and ornamental keystones. The first floor central window is made up of three semi-circular arched windows with imposts and mouldings. These open on to a balcony with stone balustrading above them main entrance. There are further arched windows on either side resembling the main windows, except in having keystones the same style of window is continued in the 1907 addition.

An elaborate parapet is made up of triangular pediments, stone balustrading, urns and an octagonal tower above the central window, the tower also having arched windows. Its octagonal ogee-shaped cupola has a cast-iron finial.

The hotel is a colonial variation of the Edwardian Free style with borrowings from the Italiante, Queen Anne and Baroque Revival architecture popular in New Zealand at the time it was built. Queen Anne elements include the variety and placement of the windows, but more particularly the free use of a picturesque parapet with pediments, balustrades and a tower. More in the Italiante mode are the wide square-headed window heads with hood moulds, the string courses, brackets, cornice and parapet. Baroque Revival elements may be seen in the style of the roof pediments which show a Dutch influenced Wren style.

"The building is a competent, well-mannered essay in Edwardian Free style commercial architecture, the qualities of which can be summarized in the free asymmetrical planning of the building and in the external composition of the facades impressing fitness of purpose" (Inv City Council Property file).

New Zealand Historic Places Trust Number : 2506, Category 1.

Architectural Description

First portion 1986. Architect - Charles Gilbertson of McKenzie & Gilbertson.
Builder - J Crowther.

Addition 1907. Architect - C J Brodrick.
Builder - Robert and Walter Smith of Smith Bros.