"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
17 Apr 2017
In no time, 111-year-old dilapidated building in Southern Mumbai will be open for the common man after a successful restoring project. This building at Hutatma Chowk in the heritage fort district in Mumbai got a facelift and will soon be an architectural gem. The neo-classical Ismail Building near the ornamental Flora Fountain was built in 1906, but over the years was left into disrepair.
This heritage building listed as Grade IIA has been refurbished by conservation architect Kirtida Unwala. This building will be open for the public once the internal work is completed.
The four-storey building will now see Zara, the Spanish brand of clothing who has taken the space for lease from the owner Supariwala Exports. This 50, 000 quare feet carpet space will be a largest retail space in a high street for foreign brand. With the metal balconies being lit up and its exterior having a good deco, people travelling in the fort area are awestruck with this facelift. The building was owned by Sir Mohammed Yusuf Trust, named after the early 20th century businessman and philanthropist.