New lease of life for loved building and language school

One of the original merchant houses of Auckland city is back in business and ready again to be the much-loved home of long-time tenant Languages International.

The refurbishment of 27 Princes Street has been led by Eke Panuku Development Auckland, working with Legacy Construction Ltd to strengthen the building to almost a 70% seismic rating, upgrade the interior workings, replace the roof, and remove asbestos and timber boards containing lead paint.

Previously an elite residence sitting high on the edge of Albert Park, the site is home to a Spanish Mission-style, three-storey, heritage-listed structure with origins back to 1877. The current building replaced a wooden house erected for the successful brewer Thomas Whitson. What exists now was built to be the home and consulting practice for a Dr Charles Haines in the early 1900s where it was partly used as a medical practice until 1975. Māori settlement activity followed by early colonial military use dates to well before 1840.

Taken over in 1978 by New Zealand’s first private English language school Languages International, 27 Princes Street has long been a cherished site for their successful teaching operation. The school was able to continue operating out of neighbouring buildings while this major renewal was under way.

“As the manager of many of Auckland City’s properties, our prime objective was to give this building a new lease of life. We needed to complete a significant seismic upgrade, and include many hidden refurbishments to bring this impressive property back up to code and ensure it is warm, dry and safe for occupants and the range of people of who use it,” says Eke Panuku Property Manager Rose Smits.

“It is a privilege to manage these historic buildings on behalf of Auckland Council and we are so excited to welcome Languages International back into this newly refurbished building,” Ms Smits says.

Many interior features of the site have been retained and enhanced during the refurbishment process, including the grand staircase, sash windows, plaster wall mouldings, pressed-tin ceilings, original fireplaces, a butler’s pantry serving the grand hall and coloured glass window features. The building now includes air conditioning, upgraded facilities, new cabling, wi-fi and lighting, a compliant fire detection and alarm system, exit pathways and emergency and exit lighting.

Now completed, Legacy Construction are proud to have been central to this restoration project.

“We have given careful attention to the heritage elements of this great building over its three storeys,” says Legacy Construction Site Manager Jim Pope.