Hamilton House

Erected in 1933, Hamilton House stands as a testament to Shanghai’s vibrant past. This architectural marvel, designed by Palmer and Turner, was commissioned by the real estate tycoon Victor Sassoon. Hamilton House wasn’t just another building. It was a statement. Sassoon, grandson of a Baghdadi Jewish businessman, aimed to leave his mark on Shanghai’s skyline. Hamilton House, with its twin, the Metropole Hotel, across Fuzhou Road, embodies this ambition. The hotel provided convenient accommodation for those visiting the offices and luxurious apartments within Hamilton House. This practical pairing echoes Sassoon’s other developments, like the Cathay Mansion and Cercle Sportif Francais, and the Sassoon House (now the Peace Hotel) on the Bund. Hamilton House was a symbol of modernity. Its construction was groundbreaking. The architects used aeroconcrete, a lightweight material made from coal ash from Henan province. This allowed for rapid construction and addressed the challenges of Shanghai’s soft ground. The building’s clever design, incorporating arches and balconies, maximized height without excessive weight. The crossroads of Fuzhou Road and Jiangxi Road, where Hamilton House stands, forms a striking symmetry with other architectural gems. The former Commercial Bank of China and the Shanghai Municipal Council building complete the visual circle. Over time, Hamilton House’s luxury apartments were subdivided into more modest dwellings. Following the communist takeover in 1949, these Western-style apartments became home to Chinese families, a consequence of industrialization and heavy taxation. The influx of factory workers into the city led to overcrowding in existing housing. This was further amplified during the Cultural Revolution, when model workers were allocated apartments previously occupied by the “bourgeoisie”. Some of these tenants reportedly still pay rents as low as 20 yuan a month. Inside Hamilton House, beyond the government offices on the lower floors, the building is a hive of activity. The light structure allows ample natural light, particularly in the upper corridors that connect the building’s wings, creating the feel of an aerial village. Art Deco details, in black and yellow with copper accents, adorn staircases, balustrades, and ceilings, offering glimpses into the building’s glamorous past. Even a small shrine dedicated to Chairman Mao can be found, a surprising remnant of the Cultural Revolution era. Hamilton House is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a living microcosm of Shanghai’s history, a place where the echoes of the past resonate within the vibrant present.