Designed in February 1925, Thorrold-Jaggard identified this building (comprising shops and flats) in his contract notes as “Community Buildings.” It was erected by construction company F. Needham Ltd.
In 1929 the building’s occupants included a hairdresser and the NZ Farm Separator Company. By 1939, the Ridd Milking Machine Company Ltd. had replaced the farm supply company; Heaven & Loveday’s tearooms had appeared; and Alfred Harrington’s accountancy practice was upstairs. Ridds and Harringtons were still there in 1957. Ezibuy (est. 1978) operated its Mail Order Division from this building from the firm’s earliest days, and in 1980 its address was 137-141 Rangitikei Street - suggesting the building’s original two shops were now one. The Wallpaper Warehouse opened in this building in 1988, and filled the site from 1993. In 1994, it became the Paint n Paper Superstore - and the present signage was installed. Now the Guthrie Bowron Superstore, this building’s Spanish Mission features remain original.
