Nathan Building

Erected in 1903, and designed by architects Wilson and Moodie for Messrs A.H. Nathan & Company, merchants and importing agents. It is noted for the different coloured bricks used in construction.

David Nathan set up as a merchant in 1840 at Kororaeka in the Bay of Islands. David was joined by his nephews Arthur and Louis from England to manage the new business in Auckland. They joined the Nathan sons Lawrence and Nathan Alfred and the company became L.D Nathan & Company. The warehouse sold groceries, oilmen’s stores, wines and spirits and musical instruments and traded Kauri Gum.

In the early 1900s the expanding Nathan Business moved to new premises and in 1970 sold the Customs Street building after owning it for 65 years. In the 1980’s the building was sold to the Auckland City Council.