Arthur Young House/Staples Rodway (1986)

This building at 109 Powderham Street (PT old town section 688) was erected in 1985-86. The architects for this three-storey office block were Boon Goldsmith & Company and the consulting engineers were Holmes, Wood, Poole & Johnstone Ltd.

The $2.5 million building was first known as Arthur Young House (accountants). On the front of the building now (2023) is the name of another accounting firm, 'bakertilly Staples Rodway'.

According to the Taranaki Daily News (7 June 1985) the house demolished to make way for this building was built in the late 19th century for the mother of prominent Taranaki businessman Newton King.

Later owners identified by historian Fred Butler (Puke Ariki collection ARC2007-73) include Mrs Kath Hammerton and the doctor Sydney Allen. Dr Allen bought the house in 1927  and added a second storey. His son Dr Chalmers Allen, a radiologist, bought the house in 1947 and used the downstairs as professional rooms. His other son Dr Peter Allen also used the house as professional rooms. 

Just prior to demolition the house was used as an office by New Plymouth lawyer, Mr Quinton Reeves.

Related documents: 

$2.5m office block planned (Taranaki Herald 22 April 1985)

Arthur Young House opens - Taranaki origins (Daily News 23 May 1986)

Arthur Young House opens - New look for firm (Daily News 23 May 1986)

Price of progress (Taranaki Daily News 7 July 2012)