The Empire Hotel
After watching over Church Street for more than a century, the historic Empire Hotel finds its next chapter as boutique short-stay apartments, each brimming with authentic character.
“The details are not the details. They make the design.”
Heritage restoration of a 1906 Edwardian building
Retention of original architectural features throughout
Layered interiors of vintage finds and bespoke pieces
Those who know Timaru know the Empire. Standing on Church Street since 1906, this Edwardian building with its arched windows had the bones of something genuinely special. When the opportunity arose to lead its transformation into six boutique short-stay apartments, I knew it wouldn't be straightforward. But I also couldn’t resist the challenge of breathing new life into such an iconic building.
The building had accumulated decades of ad hoc additions and quick-fixes, with much of its original character buried beneath layers of well-meaning intervention. Before any design decisions could be made, there was significant work that needed to be done below the surface. Every wall and ceiling was relined with fireproof gib and all electrical systems were fully updated for modern residential compliance. This is the kind of work that rarely makes it into the photographs, but underpins everything that does.
The approach I took to the interiors was carefully curated and layered to honour the heritage of the building, whilst giving it a modern update. Nothing is off the shelf. Vintage bentwood chairs, velvet sofas, gilt-framed artwork and hand-picked ceramics sit alongside considered contemporary pieces, resulting in a space that feels fresh but very much maintains its heritage charm. This is a building with character, and the interiors needed to lean into that fully.
Other apartments take a softer approach, with warm cream walls, floral roman blinds draping the sash windows and a vintage side table bearing a well-thumbed copy of Book of British Birds (it’s all in the details). The glass rod chandeliers that run through the apartments tie the spaces together whilst creating a sense of occasion.
Projects like this one remind me why heritage work is so rewarding. The Empire has been a landmark in Timaru for over a century. It deserved to be brought back to life in a way that was both contemporary and honoured its rich history — and I’m extremely proud to have my name against it.
Each of the six apartments has its own personality. The Rhodes apartment for example, features a burnt orange wallpaper in the bedroom, anchored by a nailhead trim upholstered headboard and glass rod pendant. The kitchen features the dark tile splashback that appears throughout the building, a modern element that holds its own against the heritage detailing, whilst an olive entry door with the apartment name adds a unique touch.
The balance between contemporary and classic carries over to the furniture pieces. A dusky velvet pink armchair below a pop art portrait of Marie Antoinette in sunglasses. A round walnut dining table and bentwood chairs catching the afternoon light through the original sash windows. A tartan throw draped over a linen sofa. The kinds of pieces that make a statement whilst retaining the building’s historical presence.