Public Trust Building, Napier
One of the few structures to withstand the devastating 1931 Hawke鈥檚 Bay earthquake, the Public Trust Building was originally completed in 1922 and later underwent significant strengthening and restoration to ensure its preservation.
In contrast to the streamlined Art Deco style that characterises much of Napier鈥檚 post-earthquake reconstruction, this structure is a standout example of Neo-Grecian, or Classical Doric, architecture. Designed by Hyland & Phillips after a public competition and constructed by Hamilton & Whillans, it features imposing Doric columns and a temple-like form.
While damaged in the 1931 quake, the building underwent crucial reinforcement鈥攄esigned by architect Stanley W. Fearn鈥攚hich brought it up to tougher safety standards. Public Trust employees continued operating nearby during the restoration, ensuring the office鈥檚 vital role in administering earthquake relief services and community support.
Today, the Public Trust Building enjoys Category I heritage status, honoring its significance as a civic landmark and architectural triumph. Visitors will appreciate its contrast with the surrounding Art Deco streetscape, standing as both a functional office and a symbol of enduring confidence.
In contrast to the streamlined Art Deco style that characterises much of Napier鈥檚 post-earthquake reconstruction, this structure is a standout example of Neo-Grecian, or Classical Doric, architecture. Designed by Hyland & Phillips after a public competition and constructed by Hamilton & Whillans, it features imposing Doric columns and a temple-like form.
While damaged in the 1931 quake, the building underwent crucial reinforcement鈥攄esigned by architect Stanley W. Fearn鈥攚hich brought it up to tougher safety standards. Public Trust employees continued operating nearby during the restoration, ensuring the office鈥檚 vital role in administering earthquake relief services and community support.
Today, the Public Trust Building enjoys Category I heritage status, honoring its significance as a civic landmark and architectural triumph. Visitors will appreciate its contrast with the surrounding Art Deco streetscape, standing as both a functional office and a symbol of enduring confidence.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Napier. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Public Trust Building on Map
Sight Name: Public Trust Building
Sight Location: Napier, New Zealand (See walking tours in Napier)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Napier, New Zealand (See walking tours in Napier)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Napier, New Zealand
Create Your Own Walk in Napier
Creating your own self-guided walk in Napier is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Napier Introduction Walking Tour
Napier sits on the eastern edge of New Zealand鈥檚 North Island, where the Pacific rolls in and the streets look like they gracefully ride the waves. Long before colonial maps, this was Ahuriri to the M膩ori, the island鈥檚 first inhabitants. In the 1800s it took the name Napier, after British soldier Sir Charles Napier, and grew into a thriving port and farming hub. Victorian and Edwardian... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Napier Art Deco Architecture Walk
Napier鈥檚 Art Deco architecture is the city鈥檚 most defining feature, drawing visitors from around the world to admire its vibrant facades and geometric elegance. After the devastating 1931 earthquake flattened much of the city, Napier was rapidly rebuilt in the architectural style of the day鈥擜rt Deco. The result is a remarkably cohesive urban landscape filled with zigzags, sunbursts,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles