In 1915, German-born Johann Gerhard Husheer established the New Zealand Tobacco Company in Ahuriri. When he was forced out in 1921, he moved to Auckland and founded the National Tobacco Company. Three years later, he returned to Ahuriri, reacquired his old business and built a large factory. After it was partially destroyed during the 1931 earthquake, Husheer commissioned this stunning Art Nouveau façade. This Napier icon was created by James Augustus Louis Hay, one of the founders of the Associated Architects of Napier. Also called the Napier Reconstruction Committee, this consortium of architects rebuilt most of Napier’s buildings during the 1930’s. The National Tobacco Company became one of the largest local employers and made Husheer very wealthy. When he died in 1954, the business was purchased by U. K. based Rothmans of Pall Mall. This is why it is also called the Rothman’s Building. Rothmans International was acquired in 1999 by British American Tobacco. Since late 2017, this has been the home of Urban Winery.
