Lyttelton Times Building, Chicago School architecture building in Cathedral Square, Christchurch, New Zealand.
The Lyttelton Times Building was a five-story structure in Chicago School style with continuous horizontal lines emphasizing its commercial purpose and tall windows revealing its modern construction methods. The facade followed the principles of American commercial architecture with its focus on simple forms and functional design.
The building was completed in 1904 by architects Sidney and Alfred Luttrell and served as headquarters for the Lyttelton Times newspaper. After decades as a center of press activity, it eventually lost its original purpose and was repurposed for other uses until the 2011 earthquake brought about its destruction.
The building shows how American design trends shaped New Zealand's urban architecture in the early 1900s and reflected the commercial ambitions of the city's newspaper industry. It represents a moment when Christchurch looked outward and tried to establish itself as a modern, forward-thinking city.
The building was located at Cathedral Square in central Christchurch and was easily accessible by public transport. Visitors should be aware that the structure no longer exists after the 2011 earthquake and the site today is either an open space or occupied by newer construction.
The building was registered as Category I heritage status under registration number 7216, one of the highest protection classifications in New Zealand. This status reflected how much the nation valued its architectural features as nationally important for cultural history.
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