News Flash! It appears this crop of buildings will actually be restored and not suffer the cruel fate of the wrecking ball!
- Mark (June 16, 2005)

See those X's in the windows? They may spell the kiss of death for these buildings straddling
Tai Wong Streets East and West in my Hong Kong neighborhood of Wanchai. Welcome to my
homage to a feisty bit of Guangzhou architecture destined perhaps for the wrecking ball.
 Read my commentary by passing your cursor over each image (copied below).
Click each to enlarge. All images copyright Mercury Pier 2005.

              

                

           

          

 

1.1 Wo Cheung, the name of the pawn shop (right to left) and the familiar identifying crest

1.2 Modern street sign (Chinese left to right) literally reads (Big King East Street)

1.3 On the west side, the Urban Renewal Authority is clearly now in charge

2.1 Still finding out how long the Woo Cheung Pawn Shop has adorned this corner

2.2 This style of architecture provides pedestrians shelter from the rain

2.3 The 100 year-old tram line runs along Johnston Road and used to mark the shore

2.4 One website I read mentions support to preserve these four buildings

2.5  All of Hong Kong is vibrant, but Wanchai ranks quite high on the list

2.6 Here is a glimpse of the contrast between old and new building styles

3.1 The trams trundle by with a high-pitched whir, firing off their claxons

3.2 Looking west down Johnston well before it merges with Hennessy

3.3 It appears that old architecture also strives to let in northern light

3.4 These pictures were taken one cool January morning as the sun began to warm

3.5 This covered pedestrian-way reminds me of portico-sheltered walks in Italy

3.6 All trams here cost just over 25 US cents - the longest ride will take you 13 km

4.1 Urban Renewal support beams frame the old; will the latter survive?

4.2 The rear view reveals a surprisingly dynamic interplay of planes and lines

4.3 Stately in appearance, the contrast with its commercial façade is pleasing

4.4 The façade's line gracefully accompanies the curve in Johnston Road

4.5 A close up of the gutter pipes reveal individual ceramic modules (pre PVC)

5.1 Vestiges reveal a bird shop and a sample store to be among former street-level tenants

5.2 A close up of the roof shows a terrace turned living space extension

5.3 Hong Kong "Yu Ancestor and Relative Club" (Family Yu had a nice spot)

5.4 Bricking up a window to keep out curious explorers and wayfarers?

 

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