12/05/2026
Pearson House in Auckland has turned 100 years old. It has been recently renovated and converted into a community centre and library as part of the retirement village known as 'The Foundation'. To allow for minimal changes to the interior and to seismically upgrade the building for modern use, it was agreed that the replacement of the original brick chimneys with lightweight replicas could be made. The brick slips had to be cut from the original bricks and this method was seen as a better solution than the insertion of steel beams needed to retain the original chimneys. Our unique, patented chimney design was the only method in the country that would allow for this methodology that would satisfy the rigorous standards of the Auckland Heritage Team and Historic Places Trust.
This important, 2 storey historical building designed in a neo-Georgian style by Gummer and Ford opened on the 20 April 1926. This was built in response to the increased number of blinded servicemen returning after World War I who required support. Sir Clutha MacKenzie, himself blinded at Gallipoli, led community fundraising efforts for Institute buildings which were matched pound for pound by the government. On 20 April 1926, the building was opened by the Governor General, Sir Charles Fergusson. It was named Pearson House in 1934 after Sir Arthur Pearson, who founded St Dunstan’s Hostel for Blinded Soldiers and Sailors in England.
Pearson House is a Category A scheduled historic heritage place (UPID 01892) and a Category 1 listed historic place with HNZPT (Number 4580).
