296, Norton Way South

NORTON WAY SOUTH 1. 5255 (east side) No 296 TL 2232 9/85 II* 2. 1906-7 by B Parker. Office designed in an East Anglian vernacular manner for the Parker and Unwin firm. Originally planned to be double the present size with a drawing office and private suite as a 'mirror image' of the present building. The original scheme, however, was modified when Unwin left Letchworth in 1906. Two bay hall (former drawing office) with solar wing (partner's office) at north end giving an L-shaped plan. One and a half storeys. Thatched roof with decorative ridge and brick stack. Half hipped solar wing. Roughcast walls. Two, three and four light windows (oriel windows at rear with transoms) with artificial stone surrounds, leaded lights and thatch eyebrows. Recessed entrance with double doors. Hall/studio with painted brick walls and open timber roof. Office/solar with copper-hooded, arched fireplace and cruciform window with stained glass by Hesman of Harpenden. An extension was added in 1937 by B Parker in similar style at the south end; a further addition was made in 1976 for the Garden City Museum.

Listing NGR: TL2212632389