Avon House was built for the Sisters of Mercy, and opened by Archbishop Redwood 8 December 1904. The architect was Frederick de Jersey Clere. It was used as a convent by the Catholic Church until 1925, when a new convent was built in Fitchett Street. During World War II Avon House was used by the Army, Navy and Airforce (ANA) as a gathering place. After the war the ANA closed and the building was leased to a number of businesses, including Garden Supplies Ltd. Avon house was listed as Category 3 of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust register because its historical and architectural significance but was demolished in December 1987, to make way for the Downtown complex of Palmerston North.