A deep cream facade gleaming under the Penang sun. That’s Bangunan Wawasan. This isn’t just any building. It’s a piece of George Town’s history. It stands proudly at 7 Gat Lebuh China. Built in the 1930s this Art Deco gem boasts a curved frontage. Notice the rusticated pilasters. See the balcony on the first floor? Bangunan Wawasan was once the Wawasan Open University Regional and Learning Office. It’s part of a legacy left by early 20th-century millionaire Yeap Chor Ee. His family generously donated this property.
But the story of Bangunan Wawasan is far from static. It’s been a bustling hub. It housed Drs Allan & Gunstensen’s clinic. Later it became Babylon Boom Boom a popular nightspot. The building has known many lives many purposes. The building’s current occupant is DISTED College School of Hospitality.
This building sits alongside two other structures tied to Yeap Chor Ee. One is the Ban Hin Lee Bank Building now CIMB Bank. The other is Wisma Yeap Chor Ee home to the Penang Science Cluster. Bangunan Wawasan and its neighbors form a fascinating architectural trio. They represent a blend of George Town’s past present and future.
The recent restoration is striking. The deep cream and white trimmings restore this landmark to its former glory. Each layer of paint each renovation tells a story. Bangunan Wawasan isn’t just a building. It is a living testament to George Town’s vibrant past its enduring spirit and its continuing evolution. It reflects the multifaceted nature of Penang’s history. It’s a building that deserves to be seen and admired for its story. A story you’re experiencing right now.