General Buildings - Yorkshire House

The Yorksire Insurance Company built the General buildings between 1926 - 28. The design is clearly incluenced by the Chicago Style, which is a high rise with minimal external decoration. The nearby South British Insurance Building is of a similar style.

Inside, the insurance staff were treated to the mod-cons of central heating and electric lights and were said to be very comfortable. In the 1970s, a matching block went up on the Shortland Street side. The tiny alley is called Cruise Lane. There are still commercial tenants in the Shortland/Fort precinct, but also lots of food and fashion.

Image Credit: Google Maps