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History:
Visual Description: This double-storeyed building strategically situated in Longmarket Street, Langalibalele Street, was erected in the late 1890’s as office accommodation. The building itself is of locally manufactured red brick with a steeply pitched slate roof which has a central gable formed by an oval hipped roof penetrating the main roof structure. The gable facia is half round and bearded and reinforces the Jugendstil design of the whole. The lower front facade is elegant and rendered in white plaster. It is three-bayed and has an imposing half round teak entrance doorway with double teak doors. The upper facade is unplastered and is once again three bayed with a four-panelled moulded door as contrapiece. The building has a very distinct verandah of which the lower facade is framed by eight pairs of cast-iron columns ornamented at the top and supporting the upper balcony. Pairs of columns are joined at the top by ornamental ironwork in the Fleur-de-Lis pattern. The upper balcony is balustraded in wood with eight paired and matched iron pillars supporting the roof. The interiors of the structure are utilitarian as befits an office building, but the match ceiling are high and the offices retain several fine Edinburgh manufactured fireplaces and surrounds which lend dignity to the otherwise bland interior. The Umgeni Water Board Offices form an important element, in the street facade of Longmarket. The building was declared a national monument in September 1982.
Colours:
Site Features: Distinctive verandah with cast iron brackets & balustrade balcony. The double-storeyed building, with its wood and cast-iron decorated verandah, dates from 1890s. The building forms part of facade of Longmarket Street. 10/2/928
Condition: Good
Construction Date: 1890s
Materials: brick : slate
Catalogue: Pmb, 1987, No: , Significance Category: