Happened to walk by yesterday and took 2 pictures of it because of its particular appearance. I did some research just now and discovered that it is indeed a historic building.
Historic Building Appraisal:
" ....built ....in Neo-Classical character......Giant square columns rise up the full height of the façade and terminate below the projecting eaves in Corinthian capitals. The front verandahs each have a short column on either side with Ionic Order voluted capitals. Pierced grille patterned balustrades are built between the columns. The staircase entrance has a small porch formed with Ionic columns supporting a simple entablature and arched pediment or fanlight filled with a metal decorative grille. Internally the originally wooden staircase can still be seen and also some original doors.... (Source: http://www.aab.gov.hk/historicbuilding/en/161_Appraisal_En.pdf)
Thank you tngan and pk. Your photo shows an interesting feature about Numer 55 - the building with its facade recessed relative to the bigger building #57-63 to the right (north). From street level, it looks like its supports are tied to the shophouse and the bigger building, though I am sure this is not the case.
The GeoInfo Map shows, in other blocks in the area, there was (and still is for some), a service lane. I believe there was once a service lane running along the north side of #53. If true, it was a factor how the area was re-developed. The difference in floor elevation and #55's unique frontage suggest that they were built at different times. But the service lane alone was not wide enough, so I wonder about the logistics of the re-developments. Regards, Peter
Comments
This 1932 building should be #51 Yen Chou St. (not #55)
Happened to walk by yesterday and took 2 pictures of it because of its particular appearance. I did some research just now and discovered that it is indeed a historic building.
Historic Building Appraisal:
" ....built ....in Neo-Classical character......Giant square columns rise up the full height of the façade and terminate below the projecting eaves in Corinthian capitals. The front verandahs each have a short column on either side with Ionic Order voluted capitals. Pierced grille patterned balustrades are built between the columns. The staircase entrance has a small porch formed with Ionic columns supporting a simple entablature and arched pediment or fanlight filled with a metal decorative grille. Internally the originally wooden staircase can still be seen and also some original doors.... (Source: http://www.aab.gov.hk/historicbuilding/en/161_Appraisal_En.pdf)
Link to photos: http://www.aab.gov.hk/historicbuilding/photo/161_Photo.pdf
Link to Chinese description of Yen Chou St in Wikipedia (scroll to bottom for a photo of the building): https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%AC%BD%E5%B7%9E%E8%A1%97#/media/File:5…
Historic Building at 51 Yen Chow Street
Thank you tngan and pk. Your photo shows an interesting feature about Numer 55 - the building with its facade recessed relative to the bigger building #57-63 to the right (north). From street level, it looks like its supports are tied to the shophouse and the bigger building, though I am sure this is not the case.
The GeoInfo Map shows, in other blocks in the area, there was (and still is for some), a service lane. I believe there was once a service lane running along the north side of #53. If true, it was a factor how the area was re-developed. The difference in floor elevation and #55's unique frontage suggest that they were built at different times. But the service lane alone was not wide enough, so I wonder about the logistics of the re-developments. Regards, Peter
redevelopment?
I've been hearing some rumours recently that these two buildings are scheduled for redevelopment in the near future.
I've updated the street…
I've updated the street number in the title from '#55' to '51 & 53'.
Imminent demolition
It's in the process of being demolished. Apparently its structural integrity was compromised so they are knocking both sides down.