Anyone who has watched renovation television programs will have observed that projects such as this run at double the budget and twice the time – and this building was no exception! Katrina and David feel that they have managed to restore as many of its original features – the sash windows, carved parapet and stone columns and at the same time, bring the building forward into modern times with double glazing and insulation, earthquake strengthening, modern lighting solutions and, at night, a fabulous ‘lit’ façade. They hope to be the benchmark for the rest of the buildings along Tees Street, many of which are being lovingly restored. A wide variety of local tradespeople were needed to make all these dreams a reality and many good friendships were formed along the way. It was a steep learning curve for Katrina who was the project manager, but she loved the process of finding out how to do a great many new jobs and employ problem solving skills on almost a daily basis! The building has been through a number of transformations during its lifetime and at one point, in its heyday, was Rice’s Confectionery – hence the name ‘The Old Confectionery’.