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‘It looked so cute’: Owners fell for ‘Carmen’s’ Cuba St shophouse
This heritage-listed 1890s shophouse in Cuba St, Wellington comes with a colourful history.
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A historic 1890s shophouse at 288 Cuba St, Wellington, is for sale. This Heritage Place Category 2 building is famous for its connection to former tenant Carmen Rupe, a celebrated drag performer and LGBTQI+ advocate who ran Carmen’s Curios on-site.
Currently a fully tenanted investment, it features a ground-floor commercial space and upstairs residential accommodation. The property boasts original decorative fretwork and a rooftop deck, offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of Wellington's vibrant history.
Currently a Thai massage parlour, the ground floor is notable for its large bay display window looking out onto Cuba St. The shopfront area is 39m².
Carmen (left) has left a lasting legacy in Wellington. From 1972-74 she owned a business here selling antiques and curios.
This portrait of Carmen by Sydney-based artist Nicolette Page was added to the NZ Portrait Gallery in 2019, part of exhibition Poutokomanawa: The Carmen Rupe Generation.
Bedrooms on the ground floor are currently used for massage rooms.
The original hand-carved staircase remains.
‘It looked so cute’
There is a one-bedroom residence upstairs, which can be separately tenanted.
The pergola is a more recent addition. During a massive renovation 18 years ago, a collection of lean-tos and “add-ons” were removed. RAY WHITE
There’s a view of city rooftops from the upper level.
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