History
272 Cuba Street was constructed in 1896, as a shop for Kate Tonks, a local Wellington business woman. Kate was married to Henry Tonks, a coal and wood merchant and Maori interpreter. Henry died at the age of 40, in 1884, leaving her to bring up five children. Kate subsequently built at least five houses, in what was then called Tonks Grove (now Tonks Avenue).
272 Cuba Street Relocation Preparation
This building is currently used as a tiny one room shop. It is unique in Wellington for its size – 13m2. It is a simple, quirky and rare building of the period which makes an important contribution to the urban fabric and streetscape of Cuba Street. It has timber weatherboards, simple cornice and plain capitals.
New Location
This building will be relocated 3 metres north along Cuba St to form the corner of new Tonks Grove and the Bypass. The building is located to the south of the relocated 289-291 Cuba St building.
New Address
272 Cuba Street Relocation Preparation
274 Cuba Street
New Colours
Nelson Red
Earth Green
Fawn
Construction Update
July 2005 – temporarily relocated
December 2005 – new concrete foundation poured
January 2006 – restoration commenced
March 2006 – relocated onto new foundations
June 2006 – restoration completed
