Dr Henry Pollen's House, Wellington

Dr Henry Pollen's House in Wellington was built in 1902. This historic building was originally constructed as both a residence and surgery for Dr Henry Pollen, showcasing the design expertise of William Turnbull. Initially situated at 12 Boulcott Street, the house was physically relocated in 1988 to the corner of Boulcott Street and Willis Street to accommodate the development of the Majestic Centre. Remarkably, the relocation process involved moving the house by crane, and it was reoriented approximately 90 degrees to adapt to its new setting.

Following Dr Pollen's passing in 1918, the building has transitioned through diverse roles, reflecting the changing cultural and commercial landscape of Wellington. It has served various functions, including a private residence, a bookshop, a wine bar, and a restaurant. In the late 1970s and 1980s, it even operated as a massage parlour known as "The House of Ladies". As of January 2021, the building embraced its latest incarnation as a bar named 'Pop'.

Constructed from native New Zealand woods such as totara, matai, and rimu, and topped with a corrugated iron mansard roof, Dr Pollen's House is a striking example of traditional craftsmanship. Despite the challenges posed by its relocation and reorientation, efforts were made to preserve its historical integrity. This included retaining as many original features as possible during its restoration, although original brick chimneys were substituted with lightweight replicas to ensure the building's ongoing preservation. This mix of historical fidelity with practical adaptation underlines the building's enduring significance in Wellington's urban fabric.