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 The original Rhodes buildings and estate was established in 1886 by means of a substantial contribution from the widow and family of Mr Robert Heaton Rhodes, a key pioneering figure in early Christchurch who was for a time a member of parliament. It was built in his memory as a convalescent home for the residents of Christchurch, the hill site chosen to escape the damp and smog of the city and aid the recovery from illnesses.
A handsome structure and one of the first on the Cashmere Hills, the gracious home was recognized as a national heritage building, but sadly was badly damaged in the February 2011 earthquake and had to be demolished.
The Rhodes Memorial Convalescent Home Inc, incorporated in 1924 by a special Act of Parliament, continues to be administered by a management committee who give their time voluntarily. Many of the committee have, or have had, family as residents. Any operating profits are returned for the benefit of the complex.
1884 Sophia Rhodes (Robert Rhodes' widow) decided to build a convalescent home in memory
of Robert.
1885 26 acres of land on Cashmere was leased from the trustees of the Cracroft-Wilson estate
Frederick Strouts was chosen as the architect.
1888 The first patients were admitted, almost a year and a half following completion of
building. Mrs J. Drummond MacPherson was appointed as the first Lady Superintendant.
1898 The Sydenham steam tramway was extended to the foot of the hills, thereby improving
access to Rhodes.
1912 A new wing and solarium were added to the building.
1924 The Rhodes Memorial Convalescent Home Act was passed allowing Rhodes to become an
incorporated body. This enabled the Management Committee to purchase the freehold
of its land from the Cracroft-Wilson estate, the money having been raised by the
subdivision and sale of land at the foot of the Cashmere Hills.
1952 Lower slopes of land were subdivided - Purau Tce
1958 Land on upper slopes near Dyers Pass Road subdivided.
1969 A new road - Heaton Rhodes Place - formed and 5 sections sold.
1971 Meeting with Health Dept. formalised the Home's transition from a Victorian Convalescent
Home to a Retirement Home for the elderly.
1991 Overdale subdivision completed.
2000 Village Apartment development completed.
2010 A proposal for development of building into apartments was developed and accepted.
The resthome was closed in October.
Earthquake in September caused some damage to parts of the historic building.
The damage was repaired and plans for redevelopment continued.
2011 Earthquake in February caused considerable damage to the historic building which
subsequently had to be demolished. |