Behind the facade
Athree-level building for sale in the Auckland CBD features a stunning 19th century facade. The ornate 19th century former Freemasons Hall, at 7 Princes St, is being offered as a bare shell ready for interior redevelopment and refurbishment.
The building, constructed in 1881 for £3500, will maintain its exquisite facade while valuable commercial spaces are created within.
JLL brokers Ian Hall and John Binning are marketing it by expressions of interest, closing 5pm on June 6, if not sold earlier.
Totalling around 843sq m of space over three levels — with 60sq m of deck on Level 2 — the property is to be sold with vacant possession, says Hall.
“The interior could be designed for owner-occupier use or be tenanted as luxurious offices, showrooms or apartments — or any combination of these uses.”
Hall says Freemans Hall was built next to, and at the same time as, The Grand Hotel at 9-11 Princes St. This was Auckland’s grandest hotel from 1889 till 1966, when it was converted to offices.
“Both properties feature spectacular frontages, described as “Corinthian”, or “Colonial Renaissance Ornamental” in style.
“When the original buildings were demolished in 1988 their beautiful facades were retained as a new office tower was erected behind and covering the total site. The tower was first occupied by KPMG, then became the Fonterra Centre.”
Binning says the former Fonterra Centre is now being converted to a high-calibre residential complex called The International that will set a
new standard for apartment dwellings in the city. This provides 7 Princes St with a prestigious position and address, he says.
The International is next door and the Pullman virtually across the road; the Northern Club, Chancery Square and the Shortland St Legal Precinct are close by; the main University of Auckland campus, Old Government House Reserve and Albert Park are a short walk away and the High Court and Britomart Transport Centre likewise handy.
Binning says though the area’s Strategic Management Area 5 Zone permits construction up to 50m and maximum site coverage of six-to-one, 9-11 Princes St must remain at its current height and size.
The property will have a seismic evaluation equalling 100 per cent of New Building Standard on completion of the current works.
“It is offered for sale on the basis that its exterior and interior specifications and finishes will be of the highest quality,” Binning says. “The purchaser will have flexibility to determine use and final fit-out.”