This two-storey wooden building was built for Charles Thomas Mills (listed as a commission agent on the 1890 electoral roll) in 1895.
Described as, "non-descript", by conservation architect Chris Cochrane in 1995, the building was restored by owners Robyn and Graeme King in 1999.
Notable New Plymouth architect Frank Messenger designed the building and an ink and wash drawing by him is held at Puke Ariki (ARC 2009-154). The contractor was Mr R.N. Hooker, the bricklaying by Nathanial Hooker and Messrs. Okeys, Arnold and Earp were the painters.
This is probably the first commercial building designed by Frank Messenger after his arrival in New Plymouth. Tenders were called for by Messenger in November 1894 (Taranaki Herald 30 Nov 1894 p.3), and whilst he had designed several private residences earlier in 1894, no earlier commercial building is known.
The current (2023) retail outlet is the design store and gallery,"Kina".
Related documents:
NPDC 1995 CBD Heritage Study - Exchange Chambers
NPDC 1995 CBD Heritage Study - Devon Street West South Side Streetscape
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