NooKo Celebrates Restoration of Historic Exeter Landmark – Paternoster House – With Iconic “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” Recreation

Exeter, November 2023

NooKo, the visionary local development company known for transforming interesting buildings and historic landmarks, has added a unique twist to its Paternoster House redevelopment project. By recreating the iconic “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photo, the team at NooKo is celebrating not only the progress of the Paternoster House restoration but also the vibrant community spirit right here in Exeter.

A Historic Tribute with a Local Twist:

The recreated photo of the “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper,” originally featuring construction workers during the building of the Rockefeller Center, now showcases the dedicated NooKo team enjoying lunch high above Exeter, capturing the essence of the ongoing Paternoster House restoration.

Restoring a Historical Gem:

Paternoster House, established in the 1880s as Exeter’s inaugural department store, is an integral part of the city’s rich historical tapestry. Having housed various businesses over the years, from Brock’s furniture to bookstores and stationers, its allure has been significant. Later, the building served as the location for Snappy Snaps, a photography retailer that resided there until its relocation in 2018, following which the space underwent temporary transformations, including its use as an art gallery.

A Vision for Rejuvenation:

NooKo’s current endeavour involves a transformative project that seeks to breathe new life into the Paternoster House. Their ambition is to restore this distinguished landmark to its former glory while creating an urban space that harmonises luxury living with versatile commercial prospects.

The iconic “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” recreation by NooKo stands as a symbol of their dedication to community, sustainability, and progress at the Paternoster House site.

The planned redevelopment retains the essence of the historical structure while integrating modern innovation. NooKo’s 28 luxury flats are the cornerstone of this development, offering an exquisite New York loft-style living experience. These apartments, targeted towards young professionals, feature a communal roof terrace with panoramic views encompassing Exeter Cathedral, Haldon Belvedere, and the serene beauty of Dartmoor National Park. Moreover, the ground and lower ground floors, offering 10,000 square feet of expansive commercial space, stand as one of the city’s largest retail areas.

Max Sayers, Director of NooKo, expressed the company’s profound reverence for Paternoster House’s historical significance, stating, “Our commitment goes beyond mere restoration; it’s about recapturing the building’s 1880s magnificence while embracing contemporary design and building methods.”

Sayers continued, “Our focus is on preserving the structure’s historical integrity, including its original floors, sandstone window openings, exposed roof trusses, and brick walls. Our sustainability mission incorporates recycled materials and innovative technology, such as solar arrays in each apartment, designed to provide an ideal living space for those seeking a sophisticated urban lifestyle.”

Honouring Heritage, Building the Future:

NooKo’s commitment to history and innovation is evident in their Paternoster House project. The homage to the iconic photo represents the team’s passion for preserving heritage while promoting a vision for the future—a revitalized Paternoster House, serving as a community hub and a symbol of progress in Exeter.

About NooKo:

NooKo is a local development company dedicated to restoring and revitalizing historic landmarks. The Paternoster House project represents their vision of an urban space that celebrates heritage and innovation in Exeter.

Health & Safety:

The ‘Lunch Atop a Skyscraper’ homage photoshoot was conducted with meticulous planning, adherence to safety protocols, and under the guidance of experienced professionals. All necessary precautions were taken to ensure the well-being of our team. We are committed to maintaining a safe working environment on all our projects.

Contact Information:

For media inquiries and further details on the Paternoster House redevelopment project, please contact: Stephanie Carroll, Social Media & press Coordinator: stephanie@nooko.co.uk