History
215 Vivian Street Relocation Preparation - 18 February 2005
The first European owner of this site was J E Boulcott in 1841 and 11 years later, in 1852, T McDonald acquired the site. In 1884 McDonald's wife purchased part of her husband's property who then sold part to George Tiller in the same year. At the time of purchase, the value of Tiller's property was £100. Tiller had occupied his future property from 1876, presumably leasing it from McDonald.
The existing house was constructed in 1884 for its first owner, George Tiller. At this time the street address was 67 Ingestre Street. The change to 215 Vivian Street occurred in 1909.
In 1904 the house changed hands to David Ross. There are no records which suggest he modified the house during his ownership of 19 years.
Between 1929 and 1975 the house was owned by the Walker family who used it as a boarding house. An addition was completed in 1930 which comprised 10 rooms to the rear of the existing building. In 1936 accommodation was further extended with additions to the west and east as well as new toilets. These were designed by architect C A Maynard.
215 Vivian Street Relocation Preparation - 18 February 2005
Following Nada Walker's death and a contesting of her will, the Public Trust took over temporary control of the property for three years. Norma J Hart was the next owner from 1978.
The boarding house was commonly known as 'Woodside' and the style is Italianate. The style and form of the house is typical of this period and area where many substantial Italianate houses were constructed from the 1870s to 1900s. Its decorative elements appear not to have been selected from a catalogue, common for the period, but possibly specially designed and made by its first owner.
In 1980 the New Zealand Government took over ownership of the property.
215 Vivian Street Relocation Preparation - 18 February 2005
New Location
35 metres south-west of its original position to 2 Oak Park Ave.
New Address
2 Oak Park Avenue.
New Colours
Scoria
Spanish White
Drab Brown
Nelson Red
Construction Update
21 February 2005 – Relocated
April 2005 – Restoration commenced
February 2006 – Restoration complete
