THOMPSON, SHANNON, AND CO.’S NEW WAREHOUSE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4411, 10 May 1875, Page 3

THOMPSON, SHANNON, AND CO.’S NEW WAREHOUSE.

When completed, the warehouse now being •erected for Messrs. Thompson, Shannon, and Co., in Panama-street, cannot fail to be an imposing addition and ornament to the street architecture of Wellington. Exclusive of the basement, which is comparatively lofty, the building will be of two storeys, and its front elevation will not be less than 64ft., or about the height of Messrs. Joseph Nathan and Co.’s warehouse. Its frontage to Panama-street measures 70ft., with a depth of 6Gft., thus affording a large storing area. The basement storey is to be 9ft. clear, and the first and second floors will each be 16ft. clear from their respective ceilings. As will be seen by the dimensions of the timber used, the edifice will probably be the strongest wooden building in the city. The window studs, heads, and sills, are no less than 9in. by 6in., the wall plates, 9in. by Bin., beams, 16in. by 9in., and the joists, 15in. by 2 jin. Judging from the plan, the front of the building will be decidedly handsome, a judicious and happy blending of the architectural orders giving that part of the structure an appearance which will redound to the architect’s credit. The basement will be afforded light from the front by six segmentheaded windows, and access wall be had to that floor through a door at the left end, whilst at the right end will be the main entrance to the building. The first floor—that above the basement—has in the front seven circularheaded windows, each lift, high and 4ft. wide; and on the right, keeping of course in a line with the heads of the windows, are two fan-

lights, one above the other, and both above the main entrance door. A pretty panelled transom divides the fanlights. Between the windows are panelled pilasters, with moulded caps and bases, and a moulded string course divides the basement from the first floor. Massive arches are to be placed over the lower pilasters, supporting the lower corners with moulded panelled key-stones. The first and second floors are divided by a heavy medallion cornice. There are eight windows in the front of. the second storey, each 9ft. by 4ft., and the whole surmounted by moulded pediments and supported by plain pilasters with carved tresses. The main cornice will consist of a panelled freize with carved cautle levers, 2ft. apart, surmounted by a heavy projecting comice, which, in its turn, will be surmounted by a balustrade. The whole elevation is massive m the extreme, and exceedingly handsome. The building from the back will be lighted by seven windows in the basement floor, and eight in each of the first and second floors, the only difference being that the first-floor windows will be circular-headed, while those on the top floor will be square. The sides and hack of the building wall be covered with corrugated iron, as will be the roof, with lead gutters and ridges. It is understood that the interior will be fitted with cedar, and in this respect it will differ from any other warehouse in the city. An hydraulic lift is to be placed on the basement floor, by which goods may be hoisted to the top floor, which may be reached by a cylinder staircase, ■ 4ft. Gin. wide, with a continued rail and turned baluster. The interior will be lined with red pine, with moulded cornices. The contract time for the completion of the building is fixed early in June, but a considerable time will necessarily elapse before the fittings (which are not part of the builders’ contract) are finished. The timber used is limited to red pine, totara, and kauri, the latter of which, judging by the extensive importations to Wellington, is becoming a favorite building material. The contract price for the structure, exclusive of fittings, hydraulic lift, &c., amounts to £3750. Mr. Tringham is the architect, and Mr. Lockie, the builder, and without doubt the warehouse when completed will be as creditable to them as it will be ornamental to the city.