The Northern Club, Private members club in Auckland, New Zealand
The Northern Club occupies a three-storey brick building on Princes Street, erected in 1867 as the Royal Hotel and rendered externally to resemble masonry. Architect Edward Mahoney designed it in an Italianate style; the club bought the building in 1869 and later added a dining room and fifteen bedrooms at the rear in 1883–1884.
The building was originally constructed in 1867 as the Royal Hotel and acquired its current name in 1869 when 120 founding members purchased the property. This transformation marked its shift from a hotel to a private members club in Auckland's business district.
The club's name comes from its founders' aim to serve Auckland's northern district. Members elected Victoria Carter as their first woman president in 2018, and the club marked its 150th birthday in 2019. The Bankside Bar & Lounge, designed by Nat and Pip Cheshire, was opened after a blessing by Ngati Whatua Orakei and the Bishop of Auckland.
The building is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from Auckland's main business streets. The multi-story layout offers different levels with various rooms and facilities spread throughout.
The Virginia creeper on the Princes Street facade was planted in 1927 and is cited by Heritage New Zealand as one of the building's landmark qualities. The club's 1883–1884 additions put a new dining room and fifteen bedrooms at the rear, while staff quarters followed in the 1920s.
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