McGavin House

McGavin House, also known as the former Red Cross Building, is a building in Wellington, New Zealand, classified as a "Category I" ("places of 'special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage significance or value'") historic place by Heritage New Zealand.[1]

McGavin House
McGavin House
Former names	McGavin House and Surgery
General information
Architectural style	Tudor
Location	200 Willis Street, Wellington, New Zealand
Coordinates	41.29238°S 174.772651°E / -41.29238; 174.772651
Construction started	1907
Completed	1908
Design and construction
Architect(s)	Thomas Turnbull and Son
Heritage New Zealand – Category 1
Designated	15 Feb 1990
Reference no.	1342

The building was designed by Willilam Turnbull and constructed in 1907 for Dr Donald McGavin as his home and surgery.[2] The building is constructed of brick with decorative jarrah timber facings in a Tudor style. It was painted white in the 1940s. Other Tudor features are the leadlight windows, slightly projecting upper floor with exposed beams and lead rainwater head with the date 1908 beaten into it.[2][1] Inside, the original hall, staircase, dining room and drawing room were lined with wood panelling, and the plaster ceilings were decorated with cornices and modelled ornament.[3]

Red Cross Building, 1960

Dr McGavin lived in the building until the 1940s. From 1944 to 1947 the building was occupied by the United Industries Club, an organisation created to support young women living away from home in the city.[2][4] In 1947 The Red Cross bought the building and it was used as their regional centre until 1981.[2] It later became known as 'The Manor' and rooms were rented out as medium- to long-term accommodation.[5]