Athenaeum The Athenaeum

HARTLEPOOL CHURCH STREET NZ 5132 (south side) 11/52 Nos. 17, 18 and 19 (The Athenaeum)

GV II

Literary and Mechanics' Institute, now a private club on first floor and shop units below. 1851 on plaque to right of doorway, by R.H. Robson (Land Agent to West Hartlepool Dock Co.). Limestone ashlar with sandstone dressings; hipped mid C20 concrete tiled roof and 3 truncated stacks. Plain classical style. 2 storeys and basement; occupying corner site. Principal front to Church Street, of 5 bays defined by quasi Tuscan pilasters : obscured on ground floor by late C19 to mid C20 shop fronts, except for doorway to 4th bay having moulded round arch on engaged quasi Tuscan columns, deeply recessed 6-panelled double doors, fanlight with glazing bars, and panelled reveals. 2nd bay is narrower and blank, 5th is wider having 2 windows. All windows are altered within original openings. Frieze, modillion cornice and shallow parapet. Late C19 flat-roofed full dormer above 5th bay. Left return (facing Lynn Street) of 8 symmetrical bays in similar manner to front. Ground floor largely disused at time of survey.

Listing NGR: NZ5128332653