History
The building was constructed in 1876 to the designs of the architect, Alfred Smith. It was built for Thomas Jones Rowe, a tailor and outfitter.[1] The front is designed in the 13th-century Gothic style, with a base of brown Whitby stone, two windows are supported by pillars of Irish red marble and Scottish granite in white and blue overhead. The first floor provided offices and cutting-rooms and was used for the display of goods. The second floor, reached by a staircase contained a retiring room for patrons. The etched window panes, chandeliers and fittings were custom-made. It has been described as "a wild version of William Burges."[2]
Rowe died in 1895 and by 1902 it was occupied by William Malin Hunt, Sons & Bright, electrical engineers, valuers and surveyors. By 1912 it was the offices of the Atlas Assurance Company Limited.
It was designated a Grade II listed building in 1972.[3]
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