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Architectural Plans for Ward Bros, corner of Cuba Street & Lombard Street

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Multi page

Description: Architectural plans for Ward Brothers shop and other additions on the corner of Lombard Street and Cuba Street. Holding includes site plan, details of reinforcement, bending moment diagram, overall elevation and floor plan, workshop addition, bulk store addition, additions to the existing premises and plans for a shelter.

In 1911, Palmerston North brothers William Ercott Ward and Edward E Ward began their paperhanging and decorating business in the washhouse of William Ward’s home. The business expanded into mirror-making, glass-cutting and picture framing and in 1927 Ward Brothers relocated to Cuba Street. The brothers later commissioned architects Ernst West and Francis Hornibrooke to design this two-storey building, which was constructed by contractor A G Holmes in 1935 at a cost of £2214. The original plan of the building allowed for two shops on the ground floor and several large showroom spaces and service rooms on the first floor, with a slightly off-centre staircase. The Ward brothers originally ran their store out of the left shop and leased the other.