BUILDINGS (9)
SOME BUILDINGS OF THE CITY
1
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With the pulling down of the older buildings in the city area and the rise of new ones, we might consider some of those, which, when they were erected about thirty, or more years ago, were considered the last word in Hongkong's office property. Most of these went up on the newly-acquired central area formed by the big reclamation which turned the Des Voeux Road seafront into an inland street.
To-day I take Alexandra Building, one of the first to go up on the reclaimed land. The S. C. M. Post of May 4, 1904, stated :-
"Another handsome addition to Hongkong's buildings is now free from the hands of the contractor, save for the internal fittings. The new block of building known as Alexandra Buildings jocularly called by some people "The flatiron" on account of its shape is now completed. The block was opened for business purposes at the commencement of the present month. It was built by the Hongkong Land Investment and Agency Company for Messrs. S. Wateen and Co., and is sublet to many leading professional and commercial firms, so may well claim to be the new business centre of Hongkong, considering also its close proximity to the spot where the new Post Office is being built and to Blake Pier and the Ferry Wharf.
"The Building is worthy of its fine position. It stands on the triangular portion of reclaimed land between the converging Chater and Des Voeux Roads, and is bounded on the east by a private lane connecting these two roads. The floor at the street level is divided into three sections, forming shops and stores for Messrs. A. S. Watson and Co., and Messrs Powell and Co., The former company occupy the large portion at the apex, extending back for half the length of the building, Messrs. Gaupp and Co., have the Chater Road Flank.
These firms are fitting up their premises with modern arrangements of showcases and pictures, and will possess the most up-to-date showrooms in the Colony. Messrs. A. S. Watson and Co., have spared neither expense nor trouble to make their portion one of the finest specimens of shop fitting in the Far East. Their principal apartment devoted to the general business is particularly spacious and lofty, and excellently lighted. Round the walls are arranged the windows and show cases, and in the centre the counters, fixtures, and fittings stand, all backed with mirrors, and embossed glass plates.
This has been carried out in pleasing style, first class polished and cabinet teak wood having been used. The work has been performed by Messrs. A. Tak under the supervision and to the design of the architects of the building. At the end of this apartment are swing doors leading into the smaller dispensing and wine departments, both fitted up in the same lavish style. The building is cellared throughout to provide wine and spirit stores for Messrs. Watson.