- Melchers Building
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The Melchers Building in Honolulu
The Melchers Building at 51 Merchant Street is the oldest commercial building in Downtown Honolulu. Designed in the Classical Revival style by an unknown architect, it was constructed in 1854 of white coral blocks.
The original structure's qualities are no longer visible beneath outer layers of stucco and paint. The building's structure is similar to other commercial 19th Centurian buildings here. The Melchers Building is a simple structure with two floors, and very minimal ornamentation.
Its original purpose was to house the retail firm of Melchers & Reiner. Subsequently, it served for a time as the office of the City Prosecutor. At one point, the windows along the Merchant Street side were bricked up and an iron frame was placed around the door. The bricked windows and blocked doorway have since been removed and the building is now in use as an office annex by the City and County of Honolulu.
External links
- Star Bulletin Melchers is Honolulu’s oldest commercial building, Sunday, October 19, 2003
- Hawaii.edu information
Categories:- Classical Revival architecture in Hawaii
- Buildings and structures in Honolulu, Hawaii
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