“We can now put behind the frustrations of Cera (Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority) et al and celebrate.” After hearing about the initiative last year, Arts approached Historic Places Canterbury about obtaining a plaque for the building.
STACY SQUIRES/Stuff
137-139 High St co-owner Nicky Arts says the city’s heritage buildings are greatly undervalued. The shop was built in 1905-06 as one of 16 terraced Duncan’s Buildings. It was occupied by Franklin’s Butchery for 50 years before Arts’ parents bought the shop in 1971. The family operated a printing business from it until the earthquakes. The printing business was wound down following the quakes and the equipment sold.