The building was completed in 1926 and until 1988 housed the George Court department store, for a long time New Zealand's largest store.
Sitting at the the highest point in the Auckland Street system at the time, it's most notable features are the large metal-framed windows, the grand cast iron staircase with oak panelling in the centre of the building, and the breathtaking views of the City of Auckland and the Waitamata Harbour.
Following the closure of the store the building was converted and re-opened as an apartment building in 1993.
The website of the K Road Business Association contains a brief history of the building as well as information about the history of Karangahape Road ('K' Rd): http://kroad.com/heritage/george-courts/
Heritage New Zealand entry: http://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/580
The Encyclopedia of New Zealand contains a brief biography of John Court, George's brother and co-founder of the deparment store partnership: https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/3c35/court-john