What's This Place About?
Be sure to mark this location on your list of places to visit. The Sim Kwong Ho Shop house is distributed into two parts, namely Sim Kwong Ho Shop house I and II. The rows of shop houses were built in 1926 by a female developer, Madam Sim Cheng Neo. The style of these shop houses remains largely the same though both were built by different architect. These shop houses has a blend of eastern and western culture, which could be termed as a Late-Style “Singapore- Eclectic” design.
Be sure to mark this location on your list of places to visit. The Sim Kwong Ho Shop house is distributed into two parts, namely Sim Kwong Ho Shop house I and II. The rows of shop houses were built in 1926 by a female developer, Madam Sim Cheng Neo. The style of these shop houses remains largely the same though both were built by different architect. These shop houses has a blend of eastern and western culture, which could be termed as a Late-Style “Singapore- Eclectic” design.
What's Interesting?
The first row of shop houses was designed by the architect firm of Westerhout and Oman. Something interesting about it is that there was originally a dog centerpiece but it has gone missing, and nobody knows where it went. Perhaps you can help find the missing dog?
The first row of shop houses was designed by the architect firm of Westerhout and Oman. Something interesting about it is that there was originally a dog centerpiece but it has gone missing, and nobody knows where it went. Perhaps you can help find the missing dog?
One very good reason why you should visit this site: Come on people; let’s admit it, how many females were wealthy in the 1920s? And even if they were, were they capable of developing and dabbling in properties? There were practically none, or at most a few. And Madam Sim Cheng Neo was one of the few. Therefore, ladies be sure to visit this site because you must partake in the glory and pride of womanhood when you visit these shop houses. And men, don’t think you’re excused, because for those of you who are unaware of female’s capability, walk along this shop houses and you will definitely recognize and acknowledge their capability then and now. Besides, the row of shop houses is such an unique and exquisite building to miss out. The molded designs and the gold and green paint on the first shop house simply made it stood out from the rest of the building. To design and build it in the 1920s was no easy feat. And to be developed by a female in the 1920s!, and in the end produce a very good fusion of eastern and western culture with, you really has to applaud the effort and hard work invested in constructing the buildings.
A food for thought for readers: While you’re walking along this row of shop house, you might want to consider the significance of the building. The building sees a combination of multicultural elements in the 1920s and also indicates the peace that exists then. Let us think about how this peace could be extended to this current society. There are too many youngsters making racist comments in today’s society, and perhaps this building can be a wake-up call to the youngsters, teaching them to tolerate and live in harmony with the different races. Because if our ancestors could do it in the 1920s, why can’t we?
Notice the exquisite design on the first shophouse and the gold and green colour used to embody these design.
A close-up of a part of the design on the shophouse.
Group shot! Notice the name "Sim Kwong Ho" at the top right hand corner of the photo. Below is a closer view of the name.
