Hunter Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hunter Building |
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The east entrance.
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| General information | |
| Type | University building |
| Architectural style | Gothic revival |
| Location | Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Completed | 1906 |
| Owner | Victoria University of Wellington |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Penty and Blake |
| Designated: | 26-Nov-1981 |
| Reference #: | 221 |
The Hunter Building is a very old and important building at Victoria University of Wellington in Wellington, New Zealand. It was the first building ever built for the university!
Contents
A Look Back at the Hunter Building
The Hunter Building was mostly built using red bricks. Its design is called Gothic Revival. This style looks a bit like old castles or churches from Europe, with pointed arches and tall windows.
The building officially opened in 1904. The person who opened it was Lord Plunket. He was the Governor of New Zealand at the time. This means he was the Queen's representative in New Zealand. Even though it opened in 1904, the building was not fully finished until 1906.
When it first opened, the entire university was located inside this one building. As more students and teachers joined Victoria University, new buildings were added around the Hunter Building.
Remembering Those Who Served
After World War I, a special stained glass window was put into the university's library. This beautiful window was a memorial. It was created to remember the staff and students who had died during the war. Today, this special window can still be seen in what is now the university's council chamber.
Saving a Historic Building
Over many years, the Hunter Building started to get old and worn out. It also became a risk in case of an earthquake. There were even plans to tear it down!
However, in 1981, the building was added to the Heritage New Zealand register. This meant it was officially recognized as a very important historic building. Many people, both from the university and the public, wanted to save it. Because of this support, the building was not torn down.
Instead, the Hunter Building was carefully fixed up and made stronger to withstand earthquakes. Today, it is still a very important part of the university. It holds various offices for the university's administration. The old library, where the memorial window is, is now the university's council chamber.
Images for kids
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The Hunter Building, viewed from the Hunter Courtyard.
