C W Martin Building (Former)

• 1905
• Building construction (00053:119:6594)
• 1935
• Erect (00056:158:B14083)
• 1942
• Earthquake reinstatement (00056:277:B22389)
• 1957
• Internal building alterations (00058:14:C688)
• 2001
• Seismic strengthening (00078:822:82838)
• 2002
• Internal alterations - new stair to mezzanine floor (00078:941:94124)
• 2002
• Internal fit-out for restaurant (00078:990:94391)

• 1905
• C.W. Martin
• 2001
• John Swan picture framer; Kazu Japanese restaurant

Not assessed

The building is two storey and is designed in the Edwardian free classical style. The building has a symmetrical façade, framed by pilasters and capped by a stepped parapet. ‘Est. 1900’ is written in relief in the parapet. The upper story has a band of three round headed sash windows, with a wider middle window. The treatment of the window mouldings is quite elaborate, with Ionic capitals at the spring of the arch and an acanthus leaf keystone. The top of each floor is delineated by a cornice with oversized corbels at either end. The lower floor has doors on either side topped by a fixed single light window. Between the doors mullions and transoms divide the shop front into six panes; three larger windows below and three above.

The building has masonry walls (English Bond brickwork), and concrete pile foundations. Internally it has Totara plates, red pine joists, and Matai flooring. The roof has red pine sarking, with 24 gauge galvanised iron. The front windows are double hung and made of totara.

Sitting amongst its larger neighbours, this building is easy to overlook in comparatively narrow lower Tory Street. However, well proportioned and with an intact facade, the building sits well amongst a row of heritage buildings. The contrast between the two sides of the street could not be more pronounced, with a large, undistinguished car parking building opposite.

• 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 building is a small but pleasing example of Edwardian neo-Classical architecture. Its decoration and detailing is out of the ordinary for what was a plumber’s workshop and factory.

• 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?

  The middle portion of the eastern side of lower Tory Street contains a short but coherent collection of six heritage buildings of similar ages but a variety of styles and sizes.

• 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 townscape value due to its contribution to Lower Tory Street and its role in a small but valuable precinct of heritage buildings.

• Association

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

  C.W Martin Ltd., a plumbing business that continues to this day, occupied the building for almost a century, a remarkable period of continuous use.

• Archaeological

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

  The building was constructed in 1905, but there is evidence of pre 1900 human activity in the vicinity of the building so some archaeological value may be present.

• 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 contributes to a sense of continuity in the Lower Tory Street through its long occupation of its site and the integrity of the building’s facade.

• 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?

  This building has authenticity due to the retention of its exterior façade and materials.

• 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 the contribution it makes to the Lower Tory Street streetscape, and to the wider setting of the Courtenay Place Heritage area.

• Representative

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

  This building is representative of its time and the style of architecture that it presents.

Not assessed

• Kelly, Michael and Russell Murray. Courtenay Place Heritage Area. Wellington City Council: Unpublished Report, prepared for Plan Change 48.
• Wellington City Council. “13 Tory Street”. Wellington Heritage Building Inventory 1995: T. Wellington City Council, 1995, T.
• (00056:158:B14083). Wellington City Archives.
• (00053:119:6594). Wellington City Archives.
• “Heritage Building-13 Tory Street” 1998. 1041-06-TOR13. Wellington City Records.
• Websites
• ‘History of C.W Martin Limited-The Grate Place’ Accessed 27/09/2012.

Not available

Not available