A rock-solid apartment building that was a popular party venue in Katrina Wilson's student days has always held a special place in her heart -- even more so when she and husband Colin became the owners of one of the heritage Eden Hall apartments and learned more about the architecture and history of this early Auckland landmark.
It's easy to see how they were won over by the aesthetics of the concrete-and-brick building in Eden Cres with its cantilevered, rounded balconies.
Eden Hall was built in the 1930s, designed by architect Reginald Hammond as quality, inner-city apartments, an unusual building type in New Zealand at the time. That period of concentrated residential construction included the Courtville and Shortland flats, in what is now often referred to as the university quarter. "They were seen as a new way of modern life, living in the city and enjoying the city life," says Katrina.
They were state of the art, with refrigerators and stoves -- luxuries beyond the grasp of the average Kiwi. In those early days, Eden Hall enjoyed harbour views, unfortunately now obscured by newer, higher buildings, although Katrina and Colin's balcony still allows a peep of the top of Rangitoto. The freehold building is set back from the street and has a stepped effect, allowing it to sit well on the sloping section.
