Mission accomplished

Leading web agency Xplore has given Napier's Emerson St a facelift by restoring the exterior of a prominent Spanish Mission style building.
When the company outgrew its previous offices in the Briscoes Building (an Art Deco building, also on Emerson St), the company directors made the decision to use the move as a way to give back to the region that has supported it's growth as a leading New Zealand digital marketing agency over the past 11 years.
"We momentarily considered moving to other areas within Hawkes Bay, but Xplore has always been a Napier CBD business and it didn't feel right to move us away from the area that has supported us for so long, now that we're expanding," managing director Wendy Schollum said.
"We contacted Wallace Development, who we had worked with before, and asked them to find us a building that facilitated the needs of our growing team, who are now servicing over 350 clients throughout New Zealand and internationally, but also allowed us to showcase our Hawke's Bay roots. The McGruers Building that was the perfect fit."
The McGruers building was built in 1932 (despite the date 1931 on the frontage) and was designed by Natusch & Sons.
The Spanish Mission-style building was a major shop in Napier until the 1960s when the upper floor (now the home of Xplore) was turned into a coffee lounge called The Balcony.
The main feature of the building had always been the four double doors that opened onto a generous balcony overlooking the street.
But the balcony was closed in during the '90s to provide more interior space for the various businesses that operated there.
"This awkward architectural feat created a real eyesore for tourists on Napier's most photographed street," Ms Schollum said, adding when Xplore came across the building as a potential new home it created the opportunity to restore a "beautiful, historical building".
The balcony has been restored to the original vision of its architects and now houses Xplore's 11 staff in a contemporary interior layout that marries with the traditional Mission Style exterior.
Sally Jackson, general manager of the Art Deco Trust, said it was "excellent" to see businesses in the CBD recognising the importance of the heritage buildings and restoring them back to their original glory.
"There are still developers who would like to replace the old with the new so we really applaud both Xplore and Wallace Development for their shared passion of our city," she said.
"This building is a beauty."