Standing before the Zhonghe Apartments, you are gazing at what was once known as the Avenue Apartments. These buildings whisper tales of a Shanghai long gone. Let me tell you about these apartments.
The Zhonghe Apartments were designed in 1931 by the architect L. E. Hudec. They were completed the following year. The Union Real Estate Co financed them. These apartments are located opposite Hudec’s renowned Green House. This is at the crossroads of Tongren Road and Beijing Road West. The location was then at the edge of the International Settlement.
Did you know that before construction even started almost all flats were already taken? The China Press reported this in November 1931. Demand for these apartments was high. Tongji University professor Hua Xiahong noted the skyrocketing population. Real estate prices in the settlement were also rising.
In the early 1930s, Shanghai realty firms knew about the apartment demand. People preferred apartments. They did not worry about the details of owning a home. They calmly paid higher rentals. Building large apartment blocks was common in Shanghai.
But why were the Zhonghe Apartments so popular? Shanghai residents understood blueprints. Many tenants were technicians or civil servants. They liked the functional layout. Convenient transportation was a plus. They also enjoyed the neighborhood’s public activities. Garages and refrigerators for a small fee were added bonuses.
Hudec’s reputation also played a role. His firm was known for the best office and apartment buildings. Born in 1893, Hudec was involved in 54 architectural projects. These included the Park Hotel and the Grand Theatre. He spent 29 years in Shanghai.
After 1947, Hudec left for Switzerland and then the United States. His name was almost forgotten. But in 2008, the “Year of Hudec” revived interest. The Shanghai government and the Hungarian Consulate organized it. This event sparked interest in Shanghai’s architectural heritage. In 2014, millions of Chinese voted him a “Shanghai Symbol.” He was the only foreigner in a group of Chinese celebrities.
Hudec’s masterpieces include the Park Hotel and the Normandie Apartments. They were listed as “99 Shanghai Symbols.” This was part of a campaign to find reasons for loving Shanghai.
The Zhonghe Apartments, or Avenue Apartments, featured flats of one to five rooms. They were roomy inside. Tiling and terrazzo were used in kitchens and bathrooms. Lawns, walkways, and roads surrounded the buildings. Private car facilities were available. The location was near children’s playgrounds.
The Yah Sing Construction Company built the Avenue Apartments. This was Hudec’s long-time collaborating firm. Apartments were more convenient and cheaper than hotels. This fact was published in a 1940 magazine called “The Grand View.”
Today, the Zhonghe Apartments consist of three residential buildings. Each has five to six floors. Most flats retain the original layout. Many residents are elderly. The 1931 plan shows two four-story apartments within 56 suites. Shops front the street. The boiler room and 19 garages were between the residence and the shops.
Each floor was divided into four sections. Suites ranged from one to five bedrooms. They had a bathroom, gas cooker, and hot water. Ventilating shafts provided fresh air for bathrooms without natural ventilation. The rooms had Singapore mahogany flooring and in-wall closets.
Hudec designed two entry routes. Owners used the southern entrance with grand staircases. Servants entered through the northern gate with a narrow staircase.
The buildings have a simple-cut facade. Red-brick walls are between the windows. A rustic finish is between the floors. The contrasting creamy and red colors create a strong visual effect. The northern staircase is vertical. The southern facade has a fluent arc with Tongren Road. Balustrades feature Art-Deco cast iron patterns.
In 1931, Hudec was at the peak of his career. His signature works were about to be built along Nanjing Road. The Park Hotel, Grand Theatre, and Green House were admired. They were the No. 1 hotel, cinema, and luxury residence in the Far East. The Zhonghe Apartments may be lesser-known. However, their popularity led to Hudec’s future success. It became part of Shanghai architectural history.
Remember these details as you explore Shanghai. The Zhonghe Apartments stand as a testament to Hudec’s vision. They also show Shanghai’s evolving architectural landscape. The buildings can be appreciated on Beijing Road West, Tongren Road, and Nanyang Road.