বাংলায় পড়ুন
A few years earlier, investors did not have second thoughts to tear down a historical building they acquired- possibly into a new shopping mall, or an apartment complex. However, it seems like times have changed drastically. The ‘Urban nostalgists’ as we call them, are a group of investors emerging in the city with the intent of preserving the architecture of old buildings they buy, discussing if the structure can be retained and used in another way with potential architects and interior designers.
The group recently bought a century-old residential property in Bhawanipore, sprawling across 3600 square feet. They are toying with the idea of transforming the place into a designer boutique, with the structure kept intact, rather revamped for the purpose. For every ten historic buildings that are now in the hands of real estate in Kolkata, one is being experimented with in a noble manner. A prominent member of the group, Malavika Banerjee says, “In a city that is home to the tallest residential skyscraper in India, we realised it is also possible to preserve the signature of the Victorian architecture and fierceness.” Banerjee started working on the idea as early as in 2010; preserving the British architecture of the residence she bought which is now home to Byloom, a popular sari and lifestyle brand. She has experimented with many such unique buildings in Hindustan Park, combining charming history and commercial establishments. The Experimenter Gallery- a 100 year old house was revamped by Aveek Sen as a modern gallery space blended with the earlier Bengali architecture. Sienna café, a popular hub for Instagrammers is also an artwork of preserving a historical building and brushing it with creativity. Scenographer Swarup Dutta explains, “It is not just to keep the façade and some architectural elements in place, but to ensure that the soul of the house is intact. Such initiatives are a potential to attract tourists, generate employments, explore creativity and encourage preserving history.”
