34 | Krukziener Properties T T Kelly Deeks New life for iconic Queen St building REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Andrew Krukziener has brought new life into Auckland’s city centre with the transformation of the character-filled 131 Queen Street into a luxury department store, premium offices, and a new hospitality destination. Krukziener bought the 10,800sqm building in 2016 and undertook an extensive refurbishment between 2020 and 2024, preserving its distinctive art-deco period exterior while completely reworking the interiors into his most tasteful version of the perfect art-deco office building. The arrival of Faradays, a three-level department store, has now added another dimension to the project. “The building was in disrepair when I bought it, with a pokie bar and tavern on the ground (021) 023 57225 | info@issa.co.nz FORGING EXCELLENCE FOR OVER 50 YEARS Fabrication, Structural Steel, Metalworks, Installation & Industrial Maintenance floor and school tenants occupying the offices above,” Andrew says. “I totally refurbished the interior of the building and installed a brand-new core incorporating a new egress stair and the finest bathrooms in Auckland.” Originally built in 1924 to house Milne & Choyce department store, 131 Queen St was designed with distinctive octagonal columns that allowed for large, open retail floors. Andrew retained the historic facade and used the building’s existing architectural details as the basis for an art deco interior that respected the building’s original character. The fit-out incorporates stepped cornices, arches and geometric detailing, with custom-designed light fittings, door handles, and joinery that he designed himself reflecting the building’s heritage. Cape Interiors carried out the fit-out to an outstanding level, contributing to the quality finish that carries through the refurbished building. The project combines heritage features with the most modern office facilities, including the finest air-conditioning offering individual control, creating the perfect environment for tenants. As a character refurbishment rather than new glass tower, it is also the greenest premium office building in Auckland City. The redevelopment also reclaimed the basement and first floor, previously used for car parking, to accommodate Faradays. The luxury retailer now occupies 3000sqm across three levels, bringing fashion, lifestyle products, and hospitality into the historic Queen Street address. Andrew believes food and beverage facilities are essential to making a department store a destination, rather than simply a place to shop. Lottie’s, the restaurant and cafe within Faradays, offers customers a place to stop for coffee, lunch, or afternoon tea as part of the retail experience. “I am a great believer that quality food and beverage provides real soul to a department store,” he says. “From an exquisite coffee and delicious food to a glass of Dom Pérignon, it is an experience. Going to a department store should be an event.” Above the retail floors, the other seven levels of the building are dedicated to offices occupied by a range of businesses, including investment bankers, fund managers, lawyers, and professional services firms.
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