NZ Visual Diary - entry 185
Doctors’ Houses - Symonds Street
The photograph depicts a beautiful building at the edge of the University of Auckland campus. Consisting of three terrace houses (a British term for townhouses), the structure was built (circa 1897) to serve as a family residence and doctor’s surgery & dispensary. Over time other doctors established practices in the building, hence it was commonly called ‘Doctors’ Houses.’
Today the building is home to several fast food outlets. One might have hoped for a more refined use of this stately structure other than that of pedestrian eateries, but the commercial enterprises have ensured the building’s maintenance and integrity. I think it safe to say that the owner knows the building is an architectural jewel.
Fellow architecture photograph Geoff-inOZ offers an overview of the building’s architectural pedigree and occupant lineage:
The building consists of three contiguous middle class town houses with dividing walls. The style of the building is derived from 'Queen Anne' and Neo- Jacobean English architecture of the 1870-1890 period. Typical of these styles are the attractive multi-coloured brickwork and dutch gables incorporated in the design of this building.
The building was constructed by Cornishman John Endean, mining entrepreneur and hotelier for his eight children. However, the building was not permanently used by them and was let as tenements, except for twice being occupied by family members.
The buildings have for many years been known as the 'Doctors' Houses' presumably because Number 25 was built with a dispensary and surgery on the Abercrombie/ St Paul's Street side of the building for John Endean's son Frederick, who later became a Harley Street specialist in London. Directories show number 25 was occupied by George de Clive Low, surgeon, between 1902-4.
The building is part of an historic area of Auckland, with the two houses alongside at 31 and 33 Symonds Street being constructed in the 1850s and 1870s respectively. The dimensions and styles of the building in this group reflect the increasing prosperity of the area. 1
geoff-inOz - Flickr website < https://www.flickr.com/photos/geoff-inoz/5449308791 >
Love what u did with that ap setting tomato them look like toy houses
Hi Rich, still enjoying your view of your Kiwi home town.. The Doctors' Houses are great. Lovely buildings. On close examination you can't tell they are occupied by fast food restaurant which, is pretty amazing. You'd expect signs attracting customers and far less business without signs.
It all raised my interest in how restaurants in NZ 'present' and 'promote' themselves and then, also, if there are fast food categories that would be totally 'foreign' to so many of your subscribers 'over by here' in the land of fast food. Cheers mate!