Most of the Trust's sixteen buildings were built during the period 1865 – 1885 and are today New Zealand's most complete streetscape of Victorian commercial buildings.  The buildings are constructed of locally quarried limestone.  The easily carved stone lent itself perfectly to the creation of the elaborate Neo Classical style so favoured by the clients of Oamaru's busiest architect at the time, Thomas Forrester.
 
The Trust is fortunate there are stone masons in Oamaru today who have the skills to restore the buildings to their former grandeur.  The restoration of the buildings and tenanting them with unique businesses, artisans and crafts people is part of the on going commitment the Trust has of preserving and developing Victorian Oamaru's Historic Precinct.