From the Archives: The Lowe Street Building
Built in 1981, the Lowe Street Building introduced a new generation of commercial properties designed to meet the needs of contemporary office and retail tenants. This 1600m² office building stands proudly in the heart of central Gisborne, reflecting a pivotal moment in the city’s architectural evolution.
DStevens was initially contracted to construct the building’s shell and later completed an internal fit-out for Chrisp & Chrisp Lawyers on the first floor, alongside several smaller retail tenancies at ground level. Remarkably, the entire project was completed within just one year.
The building’s well-proportioned two-storey design respected the existing cityscape, reinforcing Gisborne’s urban grid. An efficient office space on the upper floor thoughtfully complemented ground-level retail units along Gladstone Road and Lowe Street.
A Blend of Aesthetics and Innovation
Seismic performance and construction efficiency were central to the building’s architectural approach. Its concrete and steel frame construction, prominently expressed on the facade, showcased a modern level of structural resilience while ensuring ease of maintenance and repair.
The strong rhythm of concrete columns, fluted concrete cladding, and a clear grid of windows gave the Lowe Street Building a sense of strength and permanence. This structural honesty allowed it to stand out among its more traditional neighbours on Gladstone Road, making it a unique addition to the city’s commercial landscape.
Memorable Moments on Site
The tightly orchestrated build was not without its share of memorable events. Peter Stevens, the site manager for the project, recalls the excitement during the 1981 Springbok Tour protests. “The 13 guys on site shot off to Rugby Park to watch the test match at lunchtime, only to have the start of the game interrupted by protestors,” Peter said. “Quick action by spectators and grounds security prevented the match from being abandoned, and the game went on without further disruption.”
Another notable incident occurred during the pouring of the concrete foundations, when Ray Bianci, a Northern Labourers Union Delegate, approached the team to rally support for labour strikes at the nearby Gisborne Hospital construction site. “Ray wanted [DStevens] to have more labourers on site to support his cause in Gisborne,” Peter recalled. “Following the lead of Derek Stevens, who called himself a ‘labourer’ for the day, the two apprentices on site also assumed the role of ‘labourer.’ Bianci added a fourth man on the day to make up numbers and help his cause.”
Challenges and Triumphs
In late 1981, the arrival of a large CR Taylor crane marked the start of erecting the structural steel frame and truss work. However, tragedy struck when the crane stalled while being loaded back onto its transport truck. It rolled back, reversed its motor, and collided with overhead powerlines along Gladstone Road, knocking out power to much of the city.
“As the boom went back and hit the powerlines, the cables blew, and the crane driver leapt out of the cab,” Peter remembered. “Although power was out to most of the city, the driver was fortunate to escape safely. Power was restored later in the day, and the team continued construction on site.”
A Legacy of Strength and Innovation
The Lowe Street Building has withstood the test of time, demonstrating our commitment to growth and modernisation in Gisborne’s central city. Its construction reflects a unique blend of strength, creativity, and innovation, hallmarks of DStevens’ projects over the past 70 years.
