Lobb Residence, 12 Tukapa Street (circa 1911)

This attractive villa was probably constructed by/for New Plymouth cabinetmaker James Lobb around 1911. 

Although it isn't until the 1913 edition of the Wises Street Directory that Lobb is listed as living at this location in Tukapa Street, an application was made by Lobb to connect with the borough water supply through a private water main in Westown in June 1911, and this probably indicates the construction date for 12 Tukapa Street. In August 1911, Lobb also applied to the Borough Council to test the "electrical installation at his dwelling in Westown" - although the Council could not guarantee that it would extend the mains to supply the required electric current.

The architect for the home is currently unknown, although the use of divided upper panes in the sash windows may indicate that Frank Messenger is the architect - divided upper windowpanes were a distinctive feature of early Messenger designed homes.

Related plan:

Taranaki DP1815 Sheet 1, ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)