Remember when this corner of Kuala Lumpur was dominated by a single building? Today, we’re standing before the Lee Rubber Building a landmark that has witnessed nearly a century of Kuala Lumpur’s evolution.
The Lee Rubber Building stands at the corner of Jalan Tun H. S. Lee and Jalan Hang Lekir. These streets were once known as High Street and Cecil Street during British colonial times.
Designed by Arthur Oakley Coltman from Booty Edwards & Partners, the Lee Rubber Building showcases Modernist Art Deco style. Its facade features grey striated lines and mouldings. The corner has a unique treatment topped by a flagpole. Solid pillars break up its five-foot way.
Completed in 1930, the Lee Rubber Building was Kuala Lumpur’s tallest structure. Imagine how it towered over everything else back then.
During World War II from 1942 to 1945 the Japanese government used the Lee Rubber Building as their secret police headquarters. The Lee Rubber Building held a dark secret during those years.
In the 1950s, an additional floor was added turning the Lee Rubber Building into a five-story structure. Later, in 2003, Popular bookshop opened here.
The Lee Rubber Building was put up for sale in 2015 by Lee Rubber Group. The Popular bookstore and Kasturi tuition centre then vacated.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall protects the Lee Rubber Building. The city’s by-laws prevent demolition or significant structural changes to this heritage building.
In 2016, GF Land Sdn Bhd from Singapore bought the Lee Rubber Building. They transformed the 85-year-old structure into a luxury hotel.
Else Kuala Lumpur opened on August 11, 2022. The hotel features 49 guestrooms and suites. A new podium and two additional floors were added. The Lee Rubber Building now also has atriums for natural light and ventilation.
The National Heritage Act protects the Lee Rubber Building. Kuala Lumpur City Hall lists it as a category 2 heritage structure. This ensures the preservation of its entire facade.
The Edge Malaysia Property Excellence Awards 2023 awarded Else Kuala Lumpur The Edge Malaysia Excellence in Conservation and Adaptive Reuse Award.
Justin Chen, co-founder of Else Kuala Lumpur, says they found terrazzo benches during renovations. These benches were from the office canteen and were preserved in the lounge area.
Today, the Lee Rubber Building stands as a testament to Kuala Lumpur’s past. It now welcomes guests from around the world. Its story continues to evolve. The Lee Rubber Building is more than just a building. It is a living piece of Kuala Lumpur’s history.