Stewart Dawson's Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stewart Dawson's building |
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|---|---|
| General information | |
| Location | 366 Lambton Quay and Willis Street, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 41°17′11″S 174°46′34″E / 41.2864°S 174.7761°E |
| Current tenants | Stewart Dawson's, Foot Locker |
| Completed | 1900-1901 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | William Chatfield |
| Designated: | 11-Dec-2003 |
| Reference #: | 1871 |
The Stewart Dawson's building was a famous old building in Wellington, New Zealand. It stood on a very busy corner where Lambton Quay and Willis Street meet. This spot is even known as 'Stewart Dawson's corner'. The building was finished in 1901 for a London jeweler named David Stewart Dawson. Today, the beautiful front part of the building has been kept.
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What is the Stewart Dawson's Building?
The Stewart Dawson's building was once a grand shop. It was built for a well-known jewelry company. This building was a landmark in Wellington. It stood out on a busy street corner.
Where Was This Building Located?
The building was at the corner of Lambton Quay and Willis Street. This area is very important to Wellington's history. Long ago, in the 1840s, this spot was called Clay or Windy Point. It was right on Wellington's original beach.
Who Designed the Building?
In 1900, David Stewart Dawson hired an architect. His name was William Charles Chatfield. Chatfield was from Wellington. He designed a three-story building. It had a unique shape to fit the triangular corner. The front of the building copied the angle of the streets.
What Did the Building Look Like?
The Stewart Dawson's building was a great example of old-style architecture. It was built in the Victorian commercial style. This means it was grand and detailed. It also had an Italianate style. This design was inspired by Italian Renaissance buildings.
The building's front was well-balanced. It had tall, flat columns called pilasters. These pilasters were decorated with beautiful flower patterns. These details made the building very special.
Why Was the Building Important?
The building was important because of its history and design. It was officially recognized as a "Category II" building. This was done by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. This means it was a place of historical importance.
What Happened to the Stewart Dawson's Building?
In 2016, the Stewart Dawson's jewelry company moved out. The old building was then taken down. However, its historic front was carefully saved. The buildings next to it were also demolished. A new building is now being built behind the saved front. It is expected to be finished in April 2021.
