Hokitika Savings Bank building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hokitika Savings Bank building |
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Hokitika Savings Bank building in 2020
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| General information | |
| Type | Bank |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical |
| Address | 10 Hamilton Street |
| Town or city | Hokitika |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 42°43′5.28″S 170°57′40.07″E / 42.7181333°S 170.9611306°E |
| Opened | 1927 |
| Cost | £3,106 |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Plastered brick |
| Designated: | 21 September 1989 |
| Reference #: | 5051 |
The Hokitika Savings Bank building is a cool old building in Hokitika, a town on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. It used to be a bank! This building was finished in 1927. In 1989, it was given a special 'historic place' status by Heritage New Zealand. This means it's an important part of history that should be looked after.
The Bank's Early Days
The Hokitika Savings Bank first opened its doors in 1866. This was during the exciting time of the West Coast Gold Rush. Back then, many people came to the West Coast hoping to find gold. The bank was set up to help people save their money.
At first, the bank was in an old courthouse. But in 1880, it moved to a new building. This new place was made of wood and iron. It was located on Hamilton Street.
In May 1925, the people in charge of the bank decided something big. They wanted to build a brand new, strong building. It would be made of brick and concrete. This new building would celebrate the bank's 60th birthday in 1926. Plans for the new building were approved very quickly.
Building the Bank
Work on the new bank building started in February 1926. It was built on the same spot as the old one, plus a bit more land next door. The building was finished in early 1927. It cost £3,106 to build, which was a lot of money back then!
While the new building was being built, the bank worked from a temporary spot. It was just a little further down Hamilton Street.
In January 1927, a lawyer named Albert Elcock moved his office into the new building. He later became the mayor of Hokitika. The Hokitika Savings Bank itself started using the new building on February 17, 1927. The bank's leaders held their first meeting there on March 15.
Building Style and Look
The Hokitika Savings Bank building was designed in a special style. It's called "stripped classical." This means it looks like old Greek or Roman buildings, but simpler. It's made of brick covered in plaster.
The building faces two streets: Hamilton Street and Penny Lane. The main door is on the corner where the two streets meet. There's also another door on the Hamilton Street side.
Around the doors and windows, you can see flat, decorative columns. These are called pilasters. The top of the building has a fancy edge called a cornice. It has small block shapes underneath called dentils. The roof is a special shape called a mansard roof. It's covered with strong corrugated steel.
What's There Now?
The Hokitika Savings Bank used this building until 1964. Then, they moved to a different place. A law firm bought the building. They fixed it up in 1980. They even added a second floor inside the mansard roof.
In 1989, the old bank building got its special historic place status. This helps protect it for the future.
In 2020, a group called Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio bought the building. They plan to use it for their offices. First, they need to make sure it's strong enough to handle earthquakes.
