Pukekohe's Historic Perkins Building

It is devastating to report that eleven brigades responded to reports of fire at the Monarch Restaurant and Bar around 6.15am on Friday, 15 September 2023.

Our hearts go out to Dean and the Monarch team and neighbouring businesses that are impacted by this morning's fire including Carly's team at the Tan Box.

Volunteer firefighters facing the fire above the Monarch Restaurant on King Street in the historic Perkins Building

Luckily the building was empty and no injuries have been reported but we know the profound impact this will have on you and your crew.

We're all here to support you and look forward to returning as customers to this Pukekohe staple and historic site.

Thanks to the fire and emergency for swiftly ensuring our main street is safe to return to.

History of the Perkins Building

The brick building on the corner of King Street is more than 100 years old, according to the Franklin Historical Society.

The original Frank Perkins & Co.'s general store relocated to Pukekohe in 1908

The original building, Frank Perkins & Co was a successful general store that relocated to Pukekohe in 1908.

The building hosted a grocery, bakehouse, and drapery.

With time, it became a meeting place for locals because of the many facilities and products on offer. The store had a weighbridge and sold various fuels and farm supplies, hardware, seeds and grains, manures, etc.

8 years later, the single-level wooden shop was rebuilt as a two-story brick building in the free classical style.

In 1916, after the rebuild into the two-story brick building seen today

The upper story was where the Perkins lived with their seven children.

This area has remained virtually unchanged since the building was erected.

As one of the oldest commercial buildings in Pukekohe, the structure is considered a Significant Historic Heritage Place.