Plymouth Buildings, 105 Devon Street West (1903 - 1969)

This two-storey building was built in 1903 for Mrs E. Douglas and designed by the architect, James Sanderson. The contractor was Mr J.W. Tong, Messrs. H. Brown and Co. supplied the joinery and timber, the plumbing was done by Mr F. Griffiths and Bellringer's estate executed the painting.

A building permit was issued to Mrs Douglas on 5 January 1903 for business premises on Town Section 663, with the cost estimated at £1,493. 

When first built, there were three shops on the ground floor and a suite of offices and living rooms on the upper floor. 

It was located between the Exchange Chambers building and what was the MacEwans Ltd. building. 

The Daily News reported in November 1969 that the building was scheduled for demolition. The building, which was jointly owned by Mr C.A. Mason (his dry-cleaning business occupied part of the ground floor) and MacEwans Ltd., was expected to be demolished in the next 12 months. While it was thought at the time that a new building would be erected on the site, it has remained empty and is used for car parking. 

Related items:

Town Section 663, Taranaki Land Deed Index I3 page 54. (Archives New Zealand)

Town Section (Part) 663, Taranaki Land Deed Index I5 page 52. (Archives New Zealand)

Taranaki DP782 Sheet 1 (1894), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Taranaki DP3439 Sheet 1 (1915), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Taranaki DP6210 Sheet 1 (1946), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Advance New Plymouth: Plymouth Buildings (Taranaki Herald 11 June 1903)

Changing Face (Taranaki Photo News #159 12 July 1969)