Head for the fire station
Former firehouse is now a luxury apartment building with lots of history, writes Louise Richardson
The Station Penthouse is a spectacular finale to the Chambers and Station redevelopment and refurbishment of the old Mt Eden Borough Council chambers and Fire Station. “I love watching people’s reactions when they see it for the first time,” says developer Nigel McKenna, a veteran of high- profile projects, including the old Custom House in Quay St.
McKenna has spent the best part of the last three years on what he describes as “a labour of love”, returning the landmark building to its former glory and transforming the interior into six luxury apartments of which this one is the pinnacle, with its extensive views to the Waitakeres in the west, and Manukau Harbour in the south.
He undertook the project along with fellow investors Warwick Goldsmith and Jackie Gillies.
It kicked off late in 2013 when long- term residents Diabetes Auckland put the building on the market.
“Properties like this don’t come along every day so it was tremendously exciting for us,” McKenna says.
He says a huge amount of work has gone into upgrading the building to the current seismic standards.
A new glass atrium links the two double- brick buildings, which have been repainted in period colours and there’s double glazing, insulation and central heating throughout.
The five apartments already sold enjoy classic European styling but with The Station Penthouse McKenna has approached the decor and fit- out differently, taking full advantage of the 4m stud height by introducing an industrial vibe.
Timber feature walls are enhanced by an imaginative lighting scheme.
“It’s hard to believe the sheer volume of space we had to work with in the main living area,” says McKenna.
This enormous room is 14m long and 8m wide. It accommodates a luxury chef ’s kitchen, spacious dining bay and a living space that is ideal for entertaining, with many possible options for furniture arrangement.
“I like the fact that this is where the firemen would wait around for call- outs,” says McKenna.
“And the new bedrooms are where the station once had dormitories for guys on night shift.
“We’ve really tried to honour the building’s history.”
Each bedroom has a bathroom tiled in elegant white marble with high quality tapware.
And if all this opulence and luxury is not enough, the Station Penthouse also boasts a large outdoor balcony and two car parks.
Located in double grammar zone and directly across the road from popular Mt Eden Normal School, 64 Valley Rd is within easy walking distance of the Countdown supermarket at Eden Quarter, and of course, Eden Park. Mt Eden village with its shops, restaurants and cafes is a quick stroll in the other direction.
Public transport is nearby, the CBD is a short drive away and the location is handy for city fringe living.
McKenna says the decision to sell the Station Penthouse was a difficult one but he’s keen to explore possible new projects. “I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved. It’s a great building and there’s already an interesting mix of owners.
“Aucklanders really seem to ‘ get’ what we’ve done here and why,” he says.
“They appreciate the heritage aspect, which is very important, and they recognise the quality.”
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