For the first time in more than a decade Allendale House is undergoing renovation. Photo: Tim Wakely.

A grand old dame of Ponsonby is having her skirts altered as she undergoes a transformation for a new decade.

The ASB Community Trust, owners of the 119 year-old Allendale House on the corner of Ponsonby Rd and Crummer Rd, is overhauling the interior of the building to make it more earthquake proof.

Also, the damaged roof will be replaced.

New rooms are being added to accommodate organisations the trust sponsors such as the Gifted Kids Programme.

ASB Community Trust chief executive officer Jennifer Gill says the renovations are “long overdue”.

“It’s had multiple uses that have impacted on the interior. Like all good owners we need to try and keep the place up to standard,” she says.

Since its construction in 1893, Allendale House has served as a private hospital, boarding house, doctor’s surgery, hostel and restaurant.

New Zealand Historic Places Trust heritage advisor Robin Byron says all well used buildings need to be modified to fit the needs of the occupiers.

“Allendale is a fine example of a style of architecture now rare in Auckland,” says Byron.

Locals say Allendale House as an iconic building that encapsulates Ponsonby’s history.

Ponsonby shop owner Peter Rodgers believes it is a rare specimen of what the suburb used to be.

“I think society is now choosing to maintain the natural architecture of a building, rather than knock it down.”

Gill says progress of the renovation is going well.

“If it all goes according to plan, we should hopefully be back in the building by August.”