James Dilworth was an Irishman who became wealthy in New Zealand. When he died in 1894, his will created a trust to establish a boys’ boarding school. The Dilworth School in Auckland still funds full scholarships for its students. This apartment complex was built in 1927 to generate additional money for the school. The Dilworth Building’s Stripped Classical style was designed by William Gummer in association with his partner Charles Ford. Among their numerous credits in Auckland during the early 20th century are The Strand Station and Domain Wintergardens.