This attractive two-storied building was constructed for New Plymouth chemist William Fraser in 1911 - the architects were well-known New Plymouth partnership Sanderson and Griffiths. Fraser had previously operated from a building on the south side of Devon Street East, just east of the Liardet Street intersection, which he had occupied since commencing business in New Plymouth in 1901.
On 13 June 1911, the Taranaki Daily News published an article describing the new building in great detail - it was noted that "the premises are built in ferro-concrete, and have a fine elevation to Devon Street". Inside the store, large wood and glass cabinets were stocked with a range of medicines, and a large stock of photographic equipment.
The building permit for the premises is probably #542, granted on 9 December 1910, to the Trustees of Captain Kings Estate for "Shop Premises" on Devon Street - no section or construction cost is listed, however the architect is listed as Sanderson and Griffiths.
The photograph linked, taken about 1923, shows it occupied by 'Abram' and trading as a chemist - Mr Herb Abram was from Whanganui, and purchased Fraser's business in October 1920.
The NPDC 1995 CBD heritage study calls the building "a carefully executed classical design, well proportioned and with the exterior still in relatively original condition."
The shoe repair shop "The Irish Cobbler" occupies one of the two retail shops on the ground floor (2023).
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