In the heart of Auckland city, The Civic Administration Building has undergone a sustainable renovation that not only pays homage to its rich heritage, but also ushers in a new era of luxurious urban living. Now it’s known as The CAB.
Breathing new life into existing buildings and adding significant value to their surroundings is the signature talent of the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, John and Josephine Love. The innovative property developers have designed and implemented some of New Zealand’s most successful and impressive apartment developments, and their latest triumph, The CAB at Civic Quarter, is no exception.
Designed by world-renowned architect Andy Anderson at Jasmax, and completed at the end of 2022, The CAB represents a modern renovation of an iconic Auckland landmark – the old Civic Administration Building dating back to 1966. The heritage-listed building underwent an impressive transformation, stripping down to its steel frame and emerging as a brand-new building designed for luxury living. “We cut out every single floor to adapt it from commercial offices to luxury apartments,” says John. “Essentially, we rebuilt the entire structure around the original steel frame and gave it a new facade. This effort not only preserved its historical significance, but also ensured it met all current seismic strength standards.”
Beyond its exceptional design, The CAB has sustainability at its core. “During construction, we saved over 6,000 tonnes of embodied carbon, and 98% of the construction waste was diverted from landfills to build new roads, contributing to a more sustainable future,” shares John. The structure also incorporates green design elements, such as energy-efficient lighting, rainwater harvesting systems, and solar panels, making it a model for eco-conscious architecture.
Nestled in the heart of Auckland’s thriving art and culture precinct, The CAB offers an enticing proposition for easy and lavish living. Residents enjoy effortless access to local parks, shops and restaurants as well as being walking distance to the Aotea Centre, Auckland Library, Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland University, SkyCity Casino and the Ferry Terminal. Uninterrupted vistas over Aotea Square and the city towards the harbour, along with access to a private pool, gym, theatre room and games space, enhance the living experience. Remarkably, The CAB welcomes pets – a rarity among apartment living. “The CAB really does offer an unparalleled lifestyle,” asserts John. “There’s also a real sense of community and belonging with the residents often organising activities, from afternoon teas to rugby screenings.”
While inner-city living is often associated with young professionals and empty nesters, The CAB’s diverse range of apartments caters to all. Spanning one-bedroom to four-bedroom residences, each apartment boasts a generously designed floor plan, with living spaces and bedrooms thoughtfully positioned to maximise views and capture all-day light. Spacious balconies seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing The CAB’s sense of luxury and distinctive character.
Currently waiting for the discerning homeowner, the Sky Garden Penthouse and the two Sub-Penthouses exemplify the pinnacle of luxury living. These exclusive residences offer an unparalleled blend of sophistication, modernity, and breathtaking panoramic views, akin to what you’d expect from grand apartment in New York or London. The four-bedroom Penthouse boasts spacious living spaces, high-end finishes and an expansive central courtyard that offers a serene oasis and the best of inner-city stargazing. The three- and four-bedroom Sub-Penthouses on the floor below are equally remarkable, with one facing east to embrace sunrises, while the other captures sunsets with its west-facing position.
With Josephine overseeing the interior design for the entire project, the Love duo make an expectational team in the realm of property development. “While most major property developments have large corporations behind them, we are simply a husband-and-wife team,” notes John. “We complement each other perfectly, like yin and yang. I bring financial expertise with my chartered accountant’s degree and postgraduate training at KPMG, while Josephine’s education at Whitecliff College of Art and Design and her thriving design business, Josephine Design, significantly shapes the look and feel of every project we undertake.”
The Loves’ collaborative endeavours have yielded numerous accolades, not only for past projects but also for The CAB, which boasts an array of awards. Notably they received recognition at the esteemed International Property Awards Asia Pacific where they won the following categories: Private Residence – The Sky Garden, Residential Interior Apartment, and Renovation Development. Locally, The CAB has claimed recognition and admiration through several prestigious awards, including the Naylor Love Chairman’s Award for Building of the Year, Trends International Design Award for Designer Homes, and Steel Construction NZ’s Special Recognition Award.
Visionary in every way, The CAB marks just the beginning of the exciting Civic Quarter project, with plans for three additional buildings on the horizon, including a supermarket, hotel, furniture store and commercial spaces. It’s a captivating project that promises to become Auckland’s most coveted address, adding a new dimension to the city’s urban landscape.
