This two-storey building was constructed for New Plymouth chemist William Fraser in 1911 - the architects were well-known New Plymouth partnership Sanderson and Griffiths. Fraser had previously operated from a building on the south side of Devon Street East, just east of the Liardet Street intersection, which he had occupied since commencing business in New Plymouth in 1901.
On 13 June 1911, the Taranaki Daily News published an article describing the new building in great detail - it was noted that "the premises are built in ferro-concrete and have a fine elevation to Devon Street". Inside the store, large wood and glass cabinets were stocked with a range of medicines, and a large stock of photographic equipment.
The building permit for the premises is probably #542, granted on 9 December 1910, to the Trustees of Captain Kings Estate for "Shop Premises" on Devon Street - no section or construction cost is listed, however the architect is listed as Sanderson and Griffiths.
The photograph linked, taken about 1923, shows it occupied by 'Abram' and trading as a chemist - Mr Herb Abram was from Whanganui, and purchased Fraser's business in October 1920.
The entry in the NPDC 1995 CBD Heritage Inventory calls the building "a carefully executed classical design, well-proportioned and with the exterior still in relatively original condition."
Related plans:
Town Section (Part) 889, Taranaki Land Deed Index I1 page 586, I3 page 51 and I3 page 221. (Archives New Zealand)
Taranaki DP598 Sheet 1 (1893), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)
Taranaki DP7877 Sheet 1 (1955), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)
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