Commercial Building

• 1910
• Dwellings and private hotel (00053:156:8638)
• 1948
• Fire escapes (00056:349:B26921)
• 1950
• Alterations (00056:386:B29701) – the earlier Classical façade is shown to the right, and the proposed Stripped Classical design is shown on the left.
• 1963
• Building additions and alterations (00058:314:C13635)
• 1973
• Building additions and alterations (00058:875:C38938)
• 1980
• Partitioning (00058:1292:C54733)
• 1994
• (00060:227:6560)
• 1996
• Plumbing alteration (00061:186:15920)

• unknown
• Not assessed

Not assessed

11 Marion Street is a much-altered commercial building. It was designed as a two-storey Arts and Craft house and adjoining hotel, and is an early example of reinforced concrete construction. The early history of the building is difficult to assess, but it may have either been adapted during construction to create a three-storey Classical building with flat roofs, or these alterations may have occurred between 1910 and 1950. The building was certainly altered in the 1950s when almost all of the Classical ornamentation was removed, or adapted. The current decorative scheme and configuration dates from this era.

The building is now three storeys tall at the west (Marion Street) elevation, and two storeys to the rear. The main entrance is set centrally on the main façade. It is flanked by casement windows at ground floor level, and the rhythm of ‘wide, narrow, wide’ windows is repeated on the floors above. A broad rendered frame surrounds the nine door or window openings, and the frame emphasises the symmetrical design of the main façade. This ‘frame’ is a 1950s adaptation of an earlier cornice and pilasters. An octagonal tower rises three-stories at the north-west corner of the building, and path leads to a secondary entrance (that was once the main entrance of the house).

The building is a pleasant mix of Arts and Crafts fenestration patterns, Classical proportions, and a re-worked, simplified, Classical decorative/ornamentation scheme that dates from the 1950s. It is similar to other buildings in the nearby Cuba Street Heritage Area that have been ‘modernised’ by the removal of Classical ornamentation in the 1930s – 1950s. An example is Arco House at 45-47 Cuba Street (WCC 16/74.1).

Reinforced concrete exterior, timber panelling interior, cast iron balusters, timber handrails and newel posts, tiled bathrooms.

The building is located on the eastern side of Marion Street. To the south it is separated from a two storey wooden period house by an access driveway. On its northern side it is situated next to an open parking lot where the Waverly Hotel once stood. Since it is not overshadowed by neighbouring buildings, the former hotel is able to stand apart from its surroundings.

• 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?

  9-11 Marion Street is a much altered commercial building that has elements of Arts and Crafts, and Classicism. Despite many alterations, the building is notable as an early example of reinforced concrete construction, and has a pleasant, well organised and neatly proportioned Stripped Classical street-façade.

• 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 makes a positive contribution to the Marion Street streetscape.

• Association

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

  The building was built as a semi-detached house and hotel and operated as a boarding house for many years. It was owned by the New Zealand Chinese Association from 1950 – 1980.

• Archaeological

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

  Central City NZAA R27/270

• Technological

  Does the item have technological value for its innovative or important construction methods or use of materials?

  The building has technological value as an early example of reinforced concrete with an indented steel reinforcing bar.

• 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?

  Although the building has been much altered the overall effect is of a pleasant mid-20th century design that contributes to the sense of place and continuity of Marion Street.

• 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 important at a local level due to the contribution that it makes to the Marion Streetscape, and as an early example of reinforced concrete construction.

• Rare

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

  The building is an early example of reinforced concrete design in Wellington. It is of particular note for its use of an indented steel reinforcing bar.

Not assessed

• ATL 114/195/12-G
• “Street History – Marion Street”, The Wellingtonian, accessed 12 March 2013,
• Wellington City Council. Wellington Heritage Building Inventory1995: Non-Residential Buildings. Wellington City Council, 1995.
• Newspapers: Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 146, 22 June 1944, Page 6
• Newspapers: Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 134, 4 December 1945, Page 9
• Newspapers: Progress, Volume II, Issue I, 1 November 1906, Page 13
• Archives: WCA, 00053:156:8638

• Inventory Report
• 1910 drawings
• 1910 specifications
• 1950 drawings

Not available