Aren’t these Balestier Art Deco shophouses striking? They stand out like a “sore thumb” against the Balestier skyline. These shophouses offer a glimpse into Singapore’s architectural past.
These Balestier Art Deco shophouses were built in the 1950s. The Art Deco style was popular from the 1930s to 1960s. This style gives off a subtle air of sophistication. Art Deco architecture developed in Europe and the United States during the 1920s and 1930s.
The Balestier Art Deco shophouses showcase clean shapes and streamlined looks. The Empire State Building in New York is a famous example of Art Deco. In Singapore, this style became prevalent.
Notice the vertical fins framing the tall windows of the Balestier Art Deco shophouses. The designs emphasize geometric shapes. Streamlined forms mark the arches and pediments.
The Hoover Hotel and Hoover Restaurant are located within these shophouses. They share names with the old Hoover Theatre. The Hoover Theatre once stood where Shaw Plaza is today. It opened in 1960. The theatre screened westerns, Chinese variety shows and Indian films.
Before the Balestier Art Deco shophouses were built, this area had a different character. During the early 1900s, vegetable farms and taro ponds covered the land behind these buildings. The Cantonese called this area Wu Hap Thong meaning “taro pond”.
The Balestier Art Deco shophouses were conserved in 2003 along with other pre-war shophouses. They show the area’s rich architectural diversity. They highlight urban development across the 1900s.
These post-war apartment blocks contrast with pre-war shophouses. Older shophouses featured neoclassical columns. They also had colorful tiles and ornate plasterwork. The Balestier Art Deco shophouses offer a simpler design.
Take a moment to appreciate the sleek lines and subtle details. The Balestier Art Deco shophouses remain as remnants of a once-popular architectural style. They connect us to a bygone era. They remind us of Balestier’s vibrant history.