Chestnut's Building (1915)

This two-storey building in High Street, Hāwera, was built in 1915 for Mr R.Chestnut. The architect was J.A.Duffill and the builder was Harry Lewis. The building features in the Hawera Town Centre Heritage Inventory (2003). 

Little is known about Mr Chestnut, although it seems likely to be Robert Chestnut who in 1900 is listed as a bootmaker of Hāwera. On the 1905 electoral roll his occupation is given as farmer and he had moved to Mairoa, near Te Kuiti. Perhaps the Hāwera building was an investment opportunity? He died in 1919, aged 58, and was buried in the Te Kuiti cemetery.

The plans (Puke Ariki archives ARC2003-1145) show shop premises on the ground floor and living quarters on the upper floor.