How about a Spanish flair in Shanghai? Right here stands the \u534e\u4e1a\u5927\u697c. It is also known as the Cosmopolitan Apartments. This building offers a unique glimpse into Shanghai’s architectural past.
\u534e\u4e1a\u5927\u697c stands tall. It is located at 173 Shaanxi North Road. The building was completed in 1934. It has been a Shanghai landmark since then. In 1989, it earned recognition. It became a Shanghai Municipal Relics Protection Unit. Also it became a Shanghai Outstanding Historical Building.
In the early 1930s, Shanghai was booming. Tan Tongxing Yingzaochang a local construction and real estate company saw an opportunity. They acquired land east of the Cathay Garden. They planned a grand real estate development. On the east side, they built over forty new-style lane houses. On the west side, they erected \u534e\u4e1a\u5927\u697c.
Li Jinyu a Chinese architect designed the \u534e\u4e1a\u5927\u697c. Pan Rongji Yingzaochang built it. The construction started in late 1932. It finished in 1934. Tan Ganbai owned the Tan Tongxing Yingzaochang. His fourth son Tan Jing was the manager of the China Trust Company. The building was constructed under the China Trust Company’s name. That is how it got its name \u534e\u4e1a.
After its completion, Tan Ganbai and his family moved in. They lived on the eighth floor. The remaining floors were leased out. After Tan Ganbai passed away, Tan Jing inherited the building.
After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the government took over the property rights. In 1956, it became a joint public-private enterprise.
\u534e\u4e1a\u5927\u697c was a prestigious apartment building from the start. After 1945, some cultural figures resided here. The writer and playwright Li Jianwu lived here briefly. He moved out due to the high rent. In 1947, actors Jin Shan and Zhang Ruifang moved into Li Jianwu’s former apartment. They also left soon after. Actors Wang Danfeng and Lu Zhengfei also lived in \u534e\u4e1a\u5927\u697c.
The \u534e\u4e1a\u5927\u697c covers an area of 0.2 hectares. Its building area is nearly 10,000 square meters. It is a reinforced concrete structure. The building includes a main building and two side buildings. They are connected like a traditional Chinese courtyard. Corridors link the main building and side buildings.
The main building faces east. It has an H-shaped layout. Four corner towers mark its corners. The main building has ten floors in the center. It is over 40 meters high. The height gradually decreases from ten to eight floors towards the outside. The two side buildings have four floors each.
East of the main building is a green space. It covers 0.25 hectares. A children’s playground is located within this green area. Garages and transformer rooms are west of the main building.
\u534e\u4e1a\u5927\u697c showcases Spanish architectural style. Its design blends Art Deco and modern elements. The facade features simple lines. Detailed decorations adorn certain parts. The entrance has an overhanging canopy. Glass bricks decorate the facade and canopy. The top of the building features multi-faceted cones covered with red tiles. A row of vault decorations runs under the eaves. The roof door frames and window frames display Spanish characteristics. The corner towers mimic Spanish castles.
Inside, the main building has three elevators. The ground floor is a service area. It includes a lobby and reception room. Elevators are behind the lobby. Floors two through eight are apartments. Each floor has two three-bedroom and two four-bedroom units. There are 56 units in total. Floors nine and ten house water tanks and elevator machine rooms. The side buildings have three elevators and two fire elevators. Each floor has a two-bedroom a three-bedroom and two four-bedroom units. Each apartment has a large balcony. Willow flooring adorns the rooms. The interiors are refined. They are fully equipped.
Today \u534e\u4e1a\u5927\u697c stands as a testament. It reflects Shanghai’s rich history. Its blend of architectural styles makes it a unique landmark. It is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts. It offers a glimpse into Shanghai’s glamorous past. A past of high society and cultural icons.