Not only did it mark the completion of a phase of major development, it was also a chance to formally recognise Max Birtles, whose efforts were described as pivotal in the creation of the town's historic precinct.
Mr Birtles, of Cromwell, was awarded life membership of Old Cromwell Inc at the celebration marking the opening of the Cromwell Post and Telegraph Office building on Friday.
The 1860s building has been reconstructed, at a cost of about $500,000, and it is the last in a series of projects reconstructing and restoring Cromwell's original commercial area.
''Max Birtles saw the vision for Old Cromwell and probably, without his input and his work, this precinct wouldn't have happened,'' Old Cromwell chairman Adrian Somerville said.
About 60 people, including tenants of the precinct, Old Cromwell board members, contractors, local body politicians and funders of the work attended the function.
Mr Somerville also paid tribute to the support of the Central Otago District Council, the Cromwell Community Board and funders such as the Central Lakes Trust, which has contributed more than $1.1 million to development in Old Cromwell over several years.
Mr Birtles' involvement with the precinct began about 28 years ago.
''Right at the beginning, before the project got off the ground, I was involved in the engineering designing stage, sorting out where buildings could go.
''In those days, the aim was to save something of the old town, and they needed some concept drawings done and I guess it grew from there.
''It's been a long haul to this point but very satisfying.''
Fourteen buildings have been reconstructed and two other buildings restored.
Mr Birtles works as a building inspector for the district council but when his involvement in the precinct began, he was working in the Ministry of Works Clutha hydro project design office.
In the past three years, Old Cromwell has opened Wisharts Blacksmiths, the Globe Hotel and the Tent House as well as the post office.
Mr Somerville said the organisation already had two or three people interested in leasing the reconstructed building as a business base.
