Pearson House is a central and historically significant component of The Foundation, a luxury retirement village development by Generus Living in the Parnell suburb of Auckland. Rather than a standalone commercial property like the previous examples, Pearson House is a meticulously restored heritage building that now serves as the "private club" and main social hub for the village's residents.

History and Attributes

• Heritage Significance: Originally opened in 1926, Pearson House was purpose-built as a residence for blind men, many of whom were veterans of World War I. It was part of a larger complex for the Jubilee Institute for the Blind (now Blind Low Vision NZ). The building is a Category 1 Heritage Listed Building, recognized for its architectural quality and its deep historical and social significance.

• Architectural Style: Designed by the renowned architectural firm Gummer and Ford, Pearson House is a prime example of the Neo-Georgian architectural style, which was popular in New Zealand in the 1920s and 1930s. Its design features a main block with two short wings, and a historic colonnade that has been meticulously restored.

• Restoration and Modern Function: Generus Living undertook a comprehensive restoration of the building, which included a $17 million upgrade. This project focused on preserving the building's heritage while introducing modern functionality. A key part of this was a full seismic strengthening, which involved the intricate process of disassembling, reinforcing, and reassembling the building's original brick chimneys.

Main Components and Attributes

After its restoration, Pearson House was reimagined as a central hub for the village's residents. Its key components include:

• Ground Floor: A sophisticated social space that features a stylish eatery, Maddington on the Domain, as well as a restored Drawing Room and a Reading Room.

• Upper Level: This floor is dedicated to residents' amenities and includes a boutique cinema, a billiard room, a lounge, an art studio, a cardio studio, and a wellbeing suite.

• Integration: The building now serves as the historical gateway to The Foundation village, with its restoration setting a tone of timeless elegance and quality for the entire development. It is connected to the new residential buildings, providing residents with an unparalleled range of communal facilities.

Awards

The restoration of Pearson House has been highly acclaimed, winning a number of prestigious awards that recognize its successful blend of heritage preservation and modern adaptation. These include:

• Rider Levett Bucknall Supreme Excellence Award (2025): While the broader HIWA Recreation Centre won this top prize, Pearson House's restoration was part of the wider excellence recognized in the property industry awards.

• Property Council New Zealand Heritage & Adaptive Reuses Category Award (2025): This is a specific and significant award that recognizes the project's excellence in transforming a historic structure into a functional, modern community hub while preserving its integrity.

• Other accolades: The project has been lauded by heritage architects and organizations for its sensitive and innovative approach to conservation, particularly for the seismic strengthening work and the meticulous restoration of its original features.