MESSRS F. HOBBS & CO.'S NEW BUILDINGS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3357, 11 January 1879, Page 3

MESSRS F. HOBBS & CO.'S NEW BUILDINGS.

Some time since it was announced in our columns that Messrs Morrow, Bassett and Co. were about to vacate their premises in High street, and that the lease thereof had been secured by Messrs F. Hobbs and Co., tailors, of Cathedral square. Messrs Hobbs determined that in making the change of location they would erect anew building, such as would fully meet the requirements of their business, and at the same time be in keeping with the spirit of progress which has been evinced in all directions. The plans, which have been prepared by Mr Armson, are now complete, and tenders for the work are to be at once invited. The new structure will have a frontage to High street of 30ft, and the height from the pavement to the top of the parapet will be 45ft. The Italian order of architecture has been adopted in the design, which as a whole is highly effective. The shop entrance ia placed between two large plate glass windows, each being 6ft 6in wide and lift. 6in. high, lhe entrance to offices, which will be situate on the front portion of the first and second floors, is to the right of the shop. One very pleasing feature in the design is the employment of pedimental headed windows for the first

floor. A good effect is also gained by the use of rusticated quoins at the angles of the building, and of a flowing ornament in panel under each window. Marking the division between the two upper stories, is a giu'lloche band, and the building is appropriately crowned with a richly moulded cornice, with carved patera* in frieze, and a parapet pierced with a very neat pattern of geometrical tracery. The depth of the building is 66ft., the front shop giving a clear space of 34 by 22ft. Behind it are placed the fitting and sewing machine rooms, and at the rear is a capacious cutting room, 27 by 16ft. A winding staircase is intended to be placed at the back for the nse of the workmen, whose rooms are placed behind the offices already alluded to. An important feature in the arrangements of the workrooms is that abundance of light and air has been ensured. Under the ground floor ample cellarage has been provided, so as to afford a clear space of about 62 by 27ft., with headroom throughout of not less than seven feet. This will form one of the finest cellars in Christchurch, and as there will be an independent entrance at the rear, Messrs Hobbs should find no difficulty in letting it, as they purpose doing, especially since the right-of-way affords a good approach, and there is vacant ground on which to erect an office if needed. It is also intended to let some of the large upper rooms of the building.