“What a depressing dump!” That’s what architect Don Ellison thought when he first saw the Dilworth Terrace Houses in 1965. Today, we stand before a landmark row of eight terrace homes in Parnell. But their story is one of transformation.
The Dilworth Terrace Houses were designed by Thomas Mahoney. He also designed Auckland’s Customhouse. These terraces were built in 1899 when Parnell was a seaside suburb. They were sought-after homes for Auckland’s wealthy residents.
But times changed. Land was reclaimed below, and coal-fired trains dirtied the air from around 1919. The Dilworth Terrace Houses fell into disrepair. They became a slum with overcrowded tenement flats, sly grog shops and brothels. After World War II, some estimates say 300 people lived here in cramped conditions.
Don Ellison saw past the decay. He realized that despite not being painted for over 50 years, the building was magnificent. He noted that it hardly had a crack.
The city council threatened demolition. But Don acquired the leasehold interest. He set about turning the terraces into 28 renovated apartments. This provided income for the restoration. The aim was to restore them back to charming private homes.
Don had Thomas Mahoney’s original plans. This gave him an invaluable reference. He dedicated his life’s work to restoring the Dilworth Terrace Houses. He restored them as closely as possible to the original design. But he also included modern facilities.
Alison Ellison married Don in 1971. She joked she also married Dilworth Terrace. She worked alongside him on the restoration. Alison said the exterior must remain the same. But owners could do what they wanted inside their homes.
Don passed away three years ago. The Ellison’s home at 8 Dilworth Terrace was put on the market.
Linda Galbraith is a real estate agent. She admits she has had a love affair with this property since she was 12. She bought Number 4 when she was 49. She says the best thing about them is that they can take any aesthetic. That is because the architecture is so wonderful.
The Dilworth Terrace Houses stand as a testament to vision and restoration. They are a valuable part of Auckland’s built heritage. They are still here and thriving.