Kelsey's Buildings (1904)

This two-storey building was built in in 1904 for the New Plymouth accountant, Mr Thomas Kelsey. It is described in the 1995 C.B.D. Heritage Study as being, "typical of many that once made up the fabric of the CBD, but is now largely gone. It is a carefully ecxecuted classical design in timber, well proportioned and with the exterior above verandah level still in relatively original condition."

It was designed by the architect Frank Messenger and the contractor was Mr R. Coleman. A description of the building was provided in the Taranaki Herald on 3 September 1904.

Extensive additions were made to the rear of the western portion of the building in 1920. A permit was granted by the New Plymouth Borough Council to grocer Frank Ernest Gadd on 10 March 1920 for 'additions to store' on Devon Street - Julian and Son were the builders, and the estimated construction cost was £1300. Prominent New Plymouth architects Messenger and Griffiths were the architects for this addition, and called for tenders for "additions in concrete to premises in Devon Street, for Mr F. E. Gadd, Grocer" in November 1919. 

In 1954, further alterations were carried out for Champions Ltd. under the guidance of the architect, Mr M.G.B. Harvey. 

The ground-floor shops fronting Devon Street currently (2023) include Brownson Jewellers. Past tenants include "Essence Gift Store" (2014), a main street butcher, "The Fridge" (2014) and the design store "Manu" (2012).  

The building featured in the 1995 NPDC CBD Heritage Inventory.