A WELLINGTON HOTEL.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 868, 25 October 1906, Page 21

A WELLINGTON HOTEL.

As indicated in a paragraph which appeared in the “Times” a few days ago, the Occidental Hotel’s days as a house of entertainment are numbered. Some time ago Kirkcaldie and Stains, Ltd., acquired the site of Dr. Henry’s late residence in Johnston street, and, as has been announced, they are also the lessees (from the Corporation) of the block on which the Occidental Hotel stands, which completes a fine central block of city land. The firm has decided to embark on a big building scheme, which will mean a uniform structure covering the whole of the block. The first portion of the new building will be erected on the section rendered vacant by the demolition of Dr. Henry’s late residence, the plans for which have been prepared by Messrs T. Turnbull and Son. It will be of the modernised Renaissance style, constructed on a skeleton steel frame and a modified form of ferro-concrete, which is calculated to resist any ordinary happenings in the way of earthquake shocks, as well as being as near fire-proof as modern building operations extend. The idea to be worked out in the bigger scheme will be for each department to converge to a centrally-situated light well, each section terminating with a dome, and being provided with its separate passenger-lift. The roof will be flat, and will beavailable as an airy promenade for customers. The possibilities of the motor-car being called in for commercial purposes is considered by the provision of the garage where the “fleet of the future” will be repaired and housed. The whole block is to be surrounded by a broad balcony, with entrances from each department and.-in direct communication with tea rooms.—N.Z. “Times.”