This reinforced concrete building on Devon Street East was built in 1925 for Mr L.H. Johnson. A permit was issued to him on 9 June 1925. The contractors were Boon Bros. and the estimated cost was £5,000. It was designed by the firm, Messenger, Griffiths and Taylor.
Lawrence (Laurie) Johnson set up the motor vehicle dealership, L.H. Johnson Motors Ltd. It is likely this building was used as a showroom.
The NPDC CBD Heritage Study (1995) describes it as, "a classically designed building with the main Devon Street elevation divided by six Doric pilasters supporting a bracketed cornice and plain geometric pediment."
The original drawings for the building are amongst NPDC building files. There is also a document which contains all the specifications of the materials required and work to be done in the construction of the building.
Further reading: "Expanding with Taranaki: The First Fifty Years of L.H.Johnson Motors Ltd" (TRCT658.89 HOB) and 'L.H Johnson Motors Celebrate their 50th jubilee'. (Taranaki Herald Supplement, 5 May 1969).
Related items:
Town Section Z, Taranaki Land Deed Index I3 page 572. (Archives New Zealand)
Taranaki DP3963 Sheet 1 (1919), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)
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