Many people who knew Madam Lyn Lee and her husband are scratching their backs after the couple shelled out $500,000 to renovate a 1920s pre-war shophouse. Some are even considering this as insanity to buy the rundown 1,300 square feet corner unit eight years ago near Tembeling Road with a market value of $800,000.
For the couple, however, it was an endeavour that gives fulfilment for their hard-earned money. Madam Lee said she loves to live in the company of her neighbourhood and take part in preserving the rich cultural heritage of her newfound home.
Aside from achieving her aspiration to own a dream house with traditional architecture, she wants to maintain the cultural heritage of their area. Within the community, the couple’s popularity for preserving the rich culture of the place has been recognised, particularly the Peranakan-style terraced building designs, decorated with tall and multi-coloured louvred windows and carved plastering.
Recently, the couple’s move has influenced infrastructure planning of the other 100 buildings situated in the Katong/Joo Chiat that will soon be part of the conservation scheme of the Urban Redevelopment Authority. This plan covers 95 terrace dwellings and shophouses built in areas like Koon Seng Road, Tembeling Road and Onan Road, along with the other 700 buildings given the conservation status beginning 1993.
Maintaining the functional and traditional structure of old buildings is a noble task than simply renovating them to give way for new condominiums.
No comments:
Post a Comment