Public Trust Building

Much of the buildings here in Napier New Zealand had to be rebuilt after the devastating earthquake…read moreof 1931. Rebuilding began almost immediately, with the new buildings reflecting the popular architectural styles of the times ( Art - Deco / Spanish Mission / Stripped Classical). The original owner of the building was "JS Golding". Local architects that were involved in designing the building were (Finch & Westerholm). While local contractor (JJ Lee) build the building. The architectural style of the Napier Building is called (Stripped Classical). The building itself has 2 story's and made with reinforced concrete to withstand future earthquakes. The upper floors are offices for local businesses, while the main floor housed 4 retail spaces. Napier is renowned for it's Art -Deco Heritage Buildings and is said to have one of the most complete Art - Deco buildings in the world ! I can see why Napier is such a popular tourist destination ! Enjoy !! Live/Love\Travel !

Briasco Building

The original Briascos Building was built in 1930 but reinstated after the 1931 earthquake. The…read morestructures interior did sustained major fire damage during the earthquake , fortunately it's walls remained standing. The Briascos Building architectural style is called" Stripped Classical "with "Maori Assents". The original owners "Briascos & Londontown" hired a local architect by the name of " E.A. Williams " to design the building/ W.M. Angus Ltd as the builder. It is only one of a handful of buildings here in Napier Center City that used " Maori Motifs" as an architectural element. I found this building very upscaled in materials used for it's construction. Beautiful stained glass all along the storefront entrances was quite impressive ! Interior design also included terrazzo marble & oak finishes in the lower level. This beautiful building was awarded the " Art - Deco Trust Merit Award "in 2004. Enjoy! Live/Love/Travel !

Hawke's Bay Chambers Building

The glistening gold accents on the Hawkes Bay Chambers Building here in Napier New Zealand really…read more exemplified the rich color tones used during of the " Art - Deco " Revival . The building's construction was completed following the Hawke's Bay Earthquake in 1932. It's original owner was "F.W. Triggs" whom used this building as a place of business with shops & offices . With the help of architect & engineer "Earnest Aurther Williams" and builder "Holder Brothers", The 2 story building was constructed with reinforced concrete to withstand any further damage due to future earthquakes. This is a fine example of Napiers renowned Art - Deco buildings. Enjoy ! Live/Love/Travel !

New Zealand Insurance Building

For those of you that are history buffs like myself, I would highly recommend visiting the New…read moreZealand Insurance Building . The building is currently called the Art - Deco Center of Napier. The center offers a wide variety of gifts/ books / souvenirs / and even retro - toys. They also provide tours of the city and country - side. They can answer any questions you may have about the local history. The building was completed in 1932 shortly after the Hawkes Bay Earthquake of 1931. The whole 2 story building were offices for it's original owner " Kinross White LTD. Local architect " J.A. Louis Hays " working together with local builder" N. Cole"created this "Gem". Enjoy ! Live/Love/Travel !

Kidsons Building

Spending the day in Napier New Zealand was an unforgettable journey , one that will be remembered…read more for the rest of my life ! Touring Art - Deco Historic town center and seeing all the different architectural styles was quite an educational experience. I felt the Kidsons Building exemplified the true meaning of Art - Deco Architecture & design by having decorative motifs like the zigzag pattern found on the building. After the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that shook Hawks Bay in 1931, the Kidsons building was rebuilt for the original owners "Smith & Chambers Trust Syndicate". The two story building was done in Art - Deco styling, with reinforced concrete and a washroom on the roof. Local architect " H. Alfred Hill " designed the building/ Builders were " Holders Brothers ". There were so many wonderful and beautiful Art -Deco buildings here in Napier the Art - Deco Capital of New Zealand. But the Kidsons Building was one of my favorite. Enjoy! Live/Love/Travel !

Smith & Chambers Building

The Smith & Chambers Building is quite unique in that it combines a number of different Art - Deco…read moreelements in its architectural design. First, the six - sided windows are different than most on the block. The windows reminded me of similar windows I have seen in Albuquerque Mexico a few years ago. I like the "Zig - Zag" & " Pilasters Stepped Cornerwork. But I especially love the "Rising Moon" & "Stepped Motif" the best ! It brings the building to life ! The building was completed in 1932, shortly after the devastating earthquake in Hawke's Bay. The original owners " Smith & Chambers Trust" hired local architect " H. Alfred Hill" to design the two story building with "Fletcher Construction Company as the builder. The use of the building still remains as originally intended (retail & flats). The uniqueness and charm of the "Smith & Chambers Building" gets my thumbs - up ! As always thanks for reading & have a wonderful day ! Live/Love/Travel !

Lord Plunket Memorial

On February 11, 1906 Governor Lord Plunket & local residence celebrated the unveiling of "Napier's…read more South African War Memorial. Even-though it is referred to Lord Plunket Memorial, it is to pay tribute to all the volunteers of Hawke's Bay whom had given the ultimate sacrifice fighting for the Empire. What makes this memorial so different than any other war memorial in New Zealand is that the troopers rifle is pointed downward. This memorial was heavily damaged during the 1931 earthquake ! It wasn't until 1947 that the memorial was re-erected near its original location on a grassy area next to "Marine Parade/City Waterfront Park/Memorial Arch. "Freedom " comes with a heavy price tag and should never be taken for granted ! So if you ever come across an "War Memorial", please pause and give thanks ! Live/Love/Travel !

AMP Building

"AMP " (Australian Mutual Provident ) is a non - profit insurance company founded in 1849. The…read moreoriginal AMP Building was located in Napier's city center historic district. It was totally destroyed in the devastating earthquake in 1931. The current two story "Prairie Style"" AMP Building was designed by local architect "Louis Hay" and was completed in 1935. During WWll , the upper floors were occupied by the army and later as rehabilitation departments. The building was eventually sold to Gerald Patterson whom then resold the building back to AMP building Partnership. The partnership secured the original building plans and restoration was completed on March of 1993. AMP Building was listed by New Zealand Historic Place Trust on September 21, 1989 and is currently home to New Zealand's Wine Center. Housing the largest selection of Hawkes Bay wine in the world. It was wonderful coming here to The City of Napier New Zealand and seeing all the stunning Art-Deco architecture in historic City Center ! I only wished I could have been able to stay longer. Enjoy ! Live/Love/Travel !

six sisters

These are the six original homes that survived the 1931 earthquake. They are a landmark on the…read moremarine parade facing the ocean.

Bluff Hill Domain