Building Stories (@buildingstories_sg)

According to legend, there used to be a small hill here, with a Chinese monastery sitting atop - thereby giving this area the name - Monk’s Hill. Today in this heritage estate, sits one of one of Singapore's last municipal housing blocks 426 Clemenceau Built in the 50s, this was quarters for civil…

Built in 1934 as the Upper Barracks at 195 Pearl's Hill Terrace, this 160-metre long neo-classical block was designed to house the married officers and families of the Sikh Contingent of the Straits Settlements Police. It served alongside the Lower Barracks at Eu Tong Sen Street until the…

This is one of Singapore's oldest surviving coffeeshops, tucked away in Old Seletar Camp. Boh Geh Uncle Canteen, first served as a Corporal's Mess for the British Army in 1969, before going on to serve NS men at the nearby Seletar Camp. Its unusual name came from the toothless gentleman who once…

This is the infamous sign, warning visitors of the hauntings that happens here… at Bukit Timah Campus. These buildings were built in 1928 as Raffles College by the British colonial government, to provide the first tertiary education in the arts and sciences, for British Malaya. But here in the…

Just as Singapore celebrates its national day, we took a walk through these Chin Swee flats, located just by the CTE tunnel. This is block 10 Jalan Kukoh to be exact – known for its distinctive pyramid roofs and flag display every year in July and August. In 1970, 2 room flats in blocks 8 and 10…

By the time you’re watching this, @HarbourFront Centre will have closed for good. Originally opened in 1978 as the World Trade Centre, it was home to exhibition halls that featured the very popular Singapore Book Fair in the 80s. This was Singapore’s first international cruise terminal and it was…

This was Singapore’s smallest petrol station. It was miniature-sized and you couldn’t even buy petrol here! This used to be a Shell station, now it’s a shell of a station, located at the Road Safety Park at East Coast. Opened in January 1981, the park was built to teach children about road safety…

A tale of 2 stations – when you exit Circle Line’s brand new Cantonment station, why not pay a visit to its neighbour - who is almost 100 years old! This is the former Tanjong Pagar Railway Station! Located along Keppel Road. Opened in 1932, this art nouveau landmark was designed by Serbian…

Following this request@Le - Here’s a look inside Katong Shopping Centre! Katong Shopping Centre has that old-school, no-frills charm the moment you step inside. In the basement, the famous Banana Pie rivals! Yummy! The food court with the popular chicken rice many of you mentioned in the comments…

This is Singapore’s youngest lighthouse – the Raffles Marina Lighthouse Built in 1994, Raffles Marina Lighthouse is one of the few mainland lighthouses left on the island. In contrast to many of Singapore’s lighthouses, which date back to the 1850s, this 30-year-old building is practically a baby…

This mysterious coat of arms is about 90 years old, and you’d never guess where it’s hiding! These warehouses were once operated by the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) and was probably what gave Depot Lane its name. After World War II, these became a major supply facility operated by the RAOC to…

In the heart of Queenstown just off Portsdown Avenue, there’s a small enclave that pays tribute to one of history’s greatest Silat warriors! Jalan Hang Jebat is named after the legendary Hang Jebat, known for his 15th-century rebellion against the Sultan of Malacca. Lining this road are several…

The side entrance to this mall, is literally under the Pan Island Expressway! Bukit Timah Plaza, once known simply as Yaohan Bukit Timah, was the go-to mall in its heyday. Joining Yaohan were other popular retail shops like Metro, Emporium and Fitzpatrick’s supermarket.

This plaza was opened in…

This is Singapore’s first air-conditioned shopping mall, opened in 1973! If you find this design familiar, especially these round windows, it’s because its modular design is similar to Golden Mile Complex-both were designed by the same architects. Katong Shopping Centre was lively, known for its…

For generations this market has been the heart of community life, in one of Singapore's oldest housing estates. Tanglin Halt Market was built in the neighbouring industrial estate. Interestingly, this area was named after the Tanglin Halt railway station, where commuters could board the KTM…

Did you know that this playground was around way before the MRT was even a thing? Built in 1979, the dragon playground was once apart of a larger group of animal-themed mosiac playgrounds. Designed by HDB Interior Designer Khor Ean Ghee, the playground features a sandpit, a long winding climbing…

Located at 141 Middle Road lies the GSM Building also known as the Shan Yuan Building Shan Yuan, which roughly translates to "The Mountain Source", symbolises rock-solid business and prosperity, echoing its brutalist design of geometric shapes and raw concrete material. Comprising 33 units of…

This is Katong Plaza, a lesser-known neighbour to Roxy Square, but no less a landmark of Katong. Opened in 1981, this quiet hub houses all kinds of shops including hair salons, barbers, enrichment centres and food establishments. As we speak, Katong Plaza is undergoing demolition, making way for a…

Shrouded in mystery and tragedy, the Amber Beacon Tower at East Coast Park is a spot that sparks curiosity and chills. This iconic tower serves as a functioning lighthouse, guiding ships and aiding the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore. But it's also infamous for a brutal 1990 murder that…

A SECOND HDB UNDERPASS?? @kokonutkelapa First proposed in parliament in 1985 by then MP Yatiman Yusof, the 80m tunnel links the Bedok North and Chai Chee housing estates and runs under Bedok North Road. Like the Marsiling underpass, it is a rare sight for HDB estates – in this case, connecting 2…

Overhead bridges are quite a common sight in many HDB estates. But, did you know that Marsiling has an underpass? Built in the 1970s, it stretches about 50m long Still well-used today, the underpass links residents with the nearby Masjid An-Nur Mosque and Marsiling Community Club. Do you know how…

Queenstown Sports Complex is Singapore’s first sports complex. Opened in the 1970s, it housed the Queenstown Stadium and Swimming Complex and was home to Tanjong Pagar United Football Club; it was the home of the Jaguars. Hosting not just sports and community events, it also held National Day…

SuperBowl Jurong is one of Singapore’s oldest bowling alleys. It houses 30 lanes with an automatic scoring system. It wasn’t just bowling — it had arcade games, supermarkets, and plenty of food spots that made it a classic west-side hangout. Have you been to this iconic place? #singapore #history…

852 Woodlands is rumored to be haunted after a mother reportedly stabbed her 14-year-old daughter to death. Built in the 1980s, It was mysteriously vacated in the early 2000s and was briefly used as a quarantine facility for SARS in 2003. Today, it has become rental flats. Have you visited this…

Many Singaporeans will remember the iconic orange and off-white bus stop. Nestled within SIT's new campus lies the Punggol Heritage Trail which opened recently. The bus stop which sits along the Old Punggol Road used to serve bus services 82 and 83, has been preserved. The road which used to…

Closed for good after 45 years, this well-loved sports complex was a favourite haunt for footballers and tennis players right up to its final day. The facility also housed two squash courts, serving generations of athletes and enthusiasts. On its last day, staff were seen packing up for the very…

We recently visited the Former Communicable Disease Centre (CDC) located along Moulmein Road. In Part 2, we'll explore three more interesting buildings: Block 804, Block 814 and Block 815 Notice the Black Lion? It used to terrify passerbys as it became the unofficial mascot of the CDC. Thank you…

We recently visited the Former Communicable Disease Centre located along Moulmein Road. In Part 1, we'll explore three interesting buildings: the Mortuary, Block 871, and Block 875. Thank you @Hidden Heritage SG for the exclusive tour! Stay tuned for part 2! #singapore #history #formercdc #ttsh…

This bus stop is Singapore's oldest bus stop. Located along Old Chua Chu Kang Road, a series of bus stops like this one were rebuilt with elements from the one built in the 70s. Share your memories in the comments! #singapore #history #oldchoachukang #busstop #cemetery

Before the Civil Defence Academy was established in 1999, many would have undergone their Basic Rescue Training (BRT) at a camp situated further down the road. The former SCDF Jalan Bahar Camp, nestled along Jalan Bahar and bounded by Jurong West Avenue 5, holds a special place in the hearts of…