HISTORY
The Crown Hotel
The original Crown Hotel opened for business in 1859 on the corner of Waghorne & Barry Street. It was destroyed by fire in the 1931 earthquake while the new hotel was being built.
The building was to be three levels but was reduced to two levels due to the earthquakes damage.
The client in 1932 was P.J. Annan Esq
The Architect was Arthur Williams of Napier
Landmac Holdings purchased the building in 2003 and leased back to the previous owner for six months before renovations were to commence.
Between 2003 & 2004 the directors considered various options for the renovations of The Crown Hotel:
- A Tavern Bar with basement wine cellar and Backpacker Accommodation on first floor
- Apartment living
The directors settled on a hotel with resource consent being obtained in August 2004. The total complex reopened in November 2006. The building has a Heritage Protection and required a signoff from Art Deco Trust. The balconies and colour scheme had to be approved.
The building has retained its Art Deco exterior and interior detail such as the unique mosaic foyer, leadlight windows and stairway. The mural in the Vautier Conference room was discovered under the wallpaper during renovations and was restored. They were thought to be originally painted on the walls in the 1960’s. What was originally 17 letting rooms upstairs in the heritage building, are now three luxury heritage suites.
The Crown Hotel was the Winner of the 2007 Art Deco Supreme Award
DESIGNERS: Trevor Jones Design Ltd of Tauranga
ARCHITECH: Opus Architecture of Napier
INTERIOR FURNISHINGS: Helen Whittaker of Hawke’s Bay Design
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