Trips

Office Matters

The Old Gian Singh Building

This corner block of buildings, along Lebuh Ampang and Jalan Tun Perak, was constructed in 1909. Built by different owners in a diversity of styles, they share a common roofline and complement one another beautifully. Look carefully at the complex plasterwork and detailing, a blend of Dutch, English and Islamic influences.

Tan Jit Cheuh built the shophouses facing Lebuh Ampang. Two bay windows adorn the corner of the building and a pair of occuli windows can be seen above the entrance. On Jalan Tun Perak, the central shophouses, built by Loke Yew, have recessed upper floors. Observe the curious shortened columns on the first floor above the rusticated bases.

Rasoolbhoy Allibhoy built the two shophouses on the right. The star and crescent motif on the central triangular pediment indicates an Islamic influence. Gian Singh, a major textile store, occupied this shophouse from the 1920s onwards. In 1921, the rightmost section of the building was added to the block.