Trawling through archival images of Cuba St, has got me thinking about what is there today, is it an improvement on what was there yesterday?
Well I think I prefer the canvas awning from the 19 50’s but it’s great that there is still a fruit shop in the same building.
The sixty’s sign is FAB but I can imagine that someone in urban design at the council decided that it needed to be modernised probably in the 1980’s or 90’s when the Crown studios building just to the left was demolished.
I think I prefer the 1920’s architecture to the single level building, but I suppose at least the replacement is not earthquake prone!
Well the road and footpaths are certainly an improvement, interesting roof line, but in a big shake I wouldn’t want to be standing under that glass veranda.
The James Smiths building had yet another upgrade not sure about the paint job though. However the choice of transport and space for pedestrians in the central city is much more ecologically friendly.
Women are still window shopping from the same window. With attitude too looking at those heels, I couldn’t wear them but each girl to her own desires.
Reference for the National Library images
Canterbury products in shop window, James Smith Ltd., Wellington. K E Niven and Co :Commercial negatives. Ref: 1/2-209947-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://beta.natlib.govt.nz/records/23223560
James Smith Ltd, Manners Street Wellington. James Smith Ltd :Photographs of personnel, activities and shops. Ref: PAColl-3332-15-1. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://beta.natlib.govt.nz/records/22717353
Berry Evans Store, Cuba St. K E Niven and Co :Commercial negatives. Ref: 1/2-213953-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://beta.natlib.govt.nz/records/23058908
Crown Studios and Hope Brothers building, corner of Cuba Street and Dixon Street, Wellington. Crown Studios Ltd :Negatives and prints. Ref: 1/1-038630-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand.http://beta.natlib.govt.nz/records/22841102
Cuba Mall entrance, Wellington. Winder, Duncan, 1919-1970 :Architectural photographs. Ref: DW-4160-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://beta.natlib.govt.nz/records/23118555
shop with canvas awning in Cuba Street. Negatives of the Evening Post newspaper. Ref: 114/298/02-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://beta.natlib.govt.nz/records/23189161
Brick factory of Enoch Tonks, 79 Webb Street, Wellington. Tonks Collection :Negatives of the Tonks Family.. Ref: 1/4-015511-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://beta.natlib.govt.nz/records/22857250
cuba st project 
loved it! thank you so much!
thanks for your support I plan to take the stories from cyber space onto the streets soon.