Council administration buildings aren’t generally the most exciting features of any city but Auckland’s Civic Building at least managed to galvanize its city’s population between those that hated its 1950’s modernist design and those that didn’t really mind it. As always with these things the haters seemed to be a little more vocal about their opinion. However, when it was announced in 2014 that the building had become too small for council needs and there was danger that it could be mothballed, we seemed to have found our soft spot for the 18 storey building in Aotea Square.

In spite of years of abuse about its ugliness we just couldn’t fathom the idea of it being demolished when that become an option. In the years since its completion in 1966, it had become an iconic landmark. Albeit a slightly redundant landmark.

Thankfully, the modernist building is now in safe hands and will not only remain an icon but will be part of an exciting new development for the heart of Auckland. And all at the hands of a New Zealand based family owned company that has a history of preserving iconic New Zealand structures while allowing them to move with the times.

After an international tender process, Auckland’s urban development agency, Panuku Development Auckland, selected New Zealand development company Love & Co. to take on the development of the building.

Tawera Group has a long history of award winning developments within New Zealand including the NZIA Award winning Chaffers Dock Apartments in Wellington, the BOMA Award winning Park Lane Apartment property in Auckland, the BOMA Award winning St James building development in central Auckland, the James Hardie NZ Institute of Building Award winning St Francis serviced apartments and boutique hotel in Wellington and the New Zealand Property Council Award winning 132 Vincent St development in Auckland to name just a few.

In spite of Tawera Group’s history principal John Love admits that this is a big milestone for the company.

“We are both pleased and extremely proud to have been mandated by council to undertake this transformational development. Tawera Group, a family owned and operated organisation has a long history of reviving, reinvigorating, and reinventing buildings that are no longer fit for their original purpose.This will be our largest project to date, however, we have the experience, skills and team to deliver it on time and on budget.”

Tawera Group’s vision of Civic Quarter Apartment and hotel plans for Aotea Square sees the building being converted into apartments above a stylish collection of bars and restaurants. The project also includes a 100-room hotel along Mayoral Drive and performance space off Aotea Square.

“This project will blend an iconic Auckland landmark with cutting-edge design ensuring that the Civic Quarter becomes a must-visit destination. We have assembled the best possible team for this project, including my wife Josephine (our Director of Design) Jasmax Architects, Naylor Love and BECA.”

The project will start in 2017 and is expect to take three years. You can’t rush an icon of course.

To register your interest in this project email info@civicquarter.com