Parker'S Buildings

SJ4166 1932-1/6/119

CHESTER CITY (EM) FOREGATE STREET (North side) No.115 Parker's Buildings

GV II

Block of 30 flats. 1889. By John Douglas. For the first Duke of Westminster, directed by his nephew and Eaton Estate agent Cecil Parker. Common brick with Ruabon red brick dressings and blue brick diapering. EXTERIOR: 3 storeys; 3-bay symmetrical front; sides 5 flats long. The front has open stair with basket arch at each storey; stone panel above entrance inscribed "AN'O D'NI : PARKER'S BUILDINGS : 1889". Wrought-iron rails to upper archways; first-floor string; second-floor corbel table of Ruabon brick; windows have Ruabon brick mullions, segmental-arched heads, sills and quoins: one of 3 lights to each storey left of entrance and of one light right of entrance. The sides have similar open stairs, staggered, those on east side near the ends, those on west side near the centre. 8 chimneys on east slope of roof, one on rear gable, 9 on west slope. INTERIORS: refurbished by SJ Lomas for Northern Counties Housing Association, 1982. HISTORICAL NOTE: the exterior, severe and regimented in contrast to Douglas's normally warmer composition and detailing, shows the probable influence of Cecil Parker. Parker consulted the secretary of the Improved Industrial Dwellings Company and arranged that Douglas should study their Stalbridge Buildings in London before preparing the design. (Hubbard E: The Work of John Douglas: London: 1991-: 166-7; 258).

Listing NGR: SJ4102766507