Victoria Mansions Explained

Victoria Mansions
Building Type:Residential apartments
Architectural Style:Art Deco architecture
Location:Corner Victoria, Salisbury and Montreal Sts, Christchurch Central City
Address:91 Victoria Street
Christchurch
Coordinates:-43.5249°N 172.6308°W
Floor Count:5
Architect:Heathcote Helmore

Victoria Mansions is a residential Category II heritage building in central Christchurch, New Zealand.

Heathcote Helmore had the commission in 1931 to design the building; he designed in Art Deco as was fashionable at the time. In March 1935, Victoria Mansions Limited was formed to undertake the development. They expected to pay NZ£2,800 for the land and NZ£18,000 for the building. Located immediately south of the Victoria Clock Tower, the land had three street frontages: to the north (Salisbury Street), to Montreal Street, and to Victoria Street.[1] Construction started in June 1935, with five apartments on each floor, plus a single rooftop apartment, making 21 apartments in total. A small restaurant was attached on the Victoria Street frontage, with adjacent garages. Apartments were ready for occupation in May 1936.[2]

The building was damaged in the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake and has since stood empty. The adjoining restaurant was demolished after the earthquakes. In 2020, it was announced that the building will be restored, and a fifth storey added for two rooftop penthouses.[3]

Notable occupiers

Notes and References

  1. News: Residential flats: Four-story block for Christchurch . 24 January 2020 . . 21994 . 2 April 1935 . 2.
  2. News: Flats in the city . 24 January 2020 . . LXXII . 21712 . 20 February 1936 . 7.
  3. News: Walton . Steven . Apartment tower among ideas for Christchurch's Victoria Mansions . 24 January 2020 . . 24 January 2020 . 3.
  4. News: Current notes . 24 January 2020 . . LXXII . 21818 . 25 June 1936 . 2.