The surrounding buildings are dwarfed by The Metropolis, with The Sky Tower receding into the background. Conceived and commissioned by one of Auckland’s most prolific developers, Andrew Krukziener, and built on the site of the old Courthouse, Metropolis was part of his dream to create iconic landmarks in the city that would be more than just the allegedly functional housing towers that are now a blight on the cityscape.
Inspired by early 20th Century American design, amongst other things, Krukziener oversaw every minute detail of the tower that, while perhaps fulfilling his artistic ideals, would become looked upon as something of an economic disaster.
Despite its uneven past, and reports of some less than genteel tenants, the building is a testament to his stubborn determination to add something of value to the skyline.
It is a great building, and a reminder of what Auckland could be like if planners and developers were not so quick to sell our city out.