Another transformed building in Dunedin's revitalised warehouse precinct has been revealed.
Scaffolding was yesterday removed from the former Union Steam Ship Co store at 135 Cumberland St, which until only months ago was crumbling and at risk of falling over.
Environmental engineer Dave Hanan, who took on the project last year, said it was ''pretty special'' seeing the scaffolding being removed.
In the past seven months the building had been made watertight and 500 sheets of gib board installed, Mr Hanan said.
A glass-encased lift was still to be installed and finishing touches added before the building was completed in July, but work was progressing to schedule.
A lease was about to be signed for the top floor, which is to be used as an office for a Dunedin high-tech company.
Two apartments would be rented out using Airbnb. The other three were yet to be tenanted.
Drilling three metres underground to install the lift shaft had proven difficult after they encountered rock from Bell Hill which was used back when the land was reclaimed from Otago Harbour.
Mr Hanan wanted to thank Dunedin City Council for its support, both financial and from its staff, and fellow heritage building owner Stephen Macknight for sharing the benefit of his experience.
Last year former council heritage policy planner Glen Hazelton said the building, which had rotting floorboards, a leaky roof and foliage growing inside, was in a worse state than any that had been saved.
He feared it would not last another winter exposed to the elements.
Mr Hanan said Mr Hazelton was still showing an interest in the project from his new home in Perth.
