Did tragedy strike the elegant Washington Apartments? Let’s uncover the story behind this iconic Shanghai landmark. Right here at the corner of Hengshan and Gaoan Road, stands the Washington Apartments. Built in 1928, it was designed by the renowned architect Alexander Yaron. In the mid-1930s, the Washington Apartments represented fashionable living in the French Concession. The building’s Art Deco style is captivating. Its streamlined shape, ziggurats, and organic floral decorations around the entrances create a unique charm. Notice the rose details. They almost look like sculpted icing. But a dark cloud hangs over this beautiful structure. In January 1934, a horrific incident occurred. Mrs. Grooch, wife of the Operations Manager for Pacific-American Airways, jumped from their eighth-floor apartment balcony. Tragically, she held her two children, one under each arm. All three perished on the pavement below, on what was then known as Avenue Pétain. This tragic event forever marked the history of the Washington Apartments. Today, the building still stands as a reminder of this tragic event. It also represents the glamour and luxury of Shanghai’s past. The Washington Apartments remain an iconic landmark in the city’s rich tapestry of history.
Jishan Hill
High above the bustling city Jishan Hill stands proud. Its name echoes through time a testament to the renowned writer