This building was designed by Christchurch firm England Bros. their only known building in Palmerston North. Edward England often used slate tiles, tall well-lit windows with metal mullions and surrounds, and brick construction. This building had huge plate glass windows fitted with mullions prior to the 1998 upgrade. The upper floor was also largely supported by the building’s four main corner posts and door frames, and about 12 cast iron columns.
International Harvesters moved out in 1923, and Hallenstein Bros. then bought the building. In 1972, PNCC and Hallensteins exchanged buildings. PNCC eventually sold this one in 1993 – and in 1998, it underwent significant seismic strengthening. Most of the present concrete exterior walls on the ground floor were installed then. Much of the first floor was also removed, opening up the whole space. PNCC took it over again in 2010, and the building reopened in mid-2011 as Palmerston North City Library’s Youth Space.
