Isn’t it like a huge piece of milk chocolate? That’s how someone described the Beam Apartments. I want to tell you its story now. The Beam Apartments stand tall on Huaihai Road. This Art Deco building is a signature sight in Shanghai. It shows the city’s unique architectural blend.
The Beam Apartments were designed by Leonard, Veysseyre, and Kruze. This French firm helped introduce Art Deco to Shanghai. They were among the first to embrace this modern style. Before Art Deco, Western classic styles dominated Shanghai. The city always followed Western trends. Art Deco became fashionable quickly. This coincided with Shanghai’s real estate boom in the late 1920s and 1930s.
Covering 5,200 square meters, the Beam Apartments has seven stories. Some parts reach ten floors. Built in 1930, its Art Deco style is clear. Vertical and horizontal lines define its grand scale. The building stands at the corner of Huaihai and Yandang roads.
Originally, the first floor housed the Renchang Yarn Store. Knitting masters taught locals here. Above, suites ranged from two to five bedrooms. Each had a fireplace and a storeroom. There was also a bathroom and a kitchen. The kitchen included a fridge and ironing board. The building’s function has largely remained consistent. Today, the first floor is a department store specializing in women’s goods since 1956. The upper floors remain residential apartments.
Inside, the original yellow terrazzo flooring still exists. Arch gates and a concrete staircase add to its beauty. From the top floor, the staircase’s geometric design is stunning. After World War II, the French owners sold the Beam Apartments. H.H. Kung bought it for a low price.
Kung was one of China’s richest men before the war. He was famous for marrying Soong Ai Ling. She was the eldest of the Soong sisters. Kung was educated at Yale University. He later supported Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s revolutionary work. He became minister of industry and commerce in 1928. Later, Kung became minister of finance and governor of the Central Bank of China.
Soong Ai Ling played a key role in her sisters’ lives. She arranged Soong Mei-ling’s marriage to Chiang Kai-shek. She also helped Soong Ching Ling meet Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Kung owned many properties in Shanghai. These included properties in the former French Concession and Hongkou District.
Today, the Beam Apartments is a notable Art Deco building. It is one of 165 surviving examples in the city. A visit offers a glimpse into Shanghai’s architectural styles. You can experience both Chinese and Western influences here. The Beam Apartments represents a time of flourishing culture in Shanghai. It stands as a reminder of the city’s dynamic past.