David Elias building, built in 1928, is situated at the junction of Short Street and Middle Road. The building's most prominent feature is a logo of a six-pointed Star of David fixed atop building.
Key features
David Elias Building overlooks the junction of Selegie Road and Middle Road. Built in 1928 by a Jewish merchant, it was commissioned to be designed by architects Swan & Maclaren. It is a three-storey "stripped" neo-classical building reflective of the architectural style popular in the 1920s. The building assumes a slight art deco look with its its balconies and concrete slab being at eaves level. At the point where the classically-propotioned facade joins the roof, the concrete slab projects strongly and serves as both; cornices and eaves to the roof. The roof is high-pitched and broad and the two storey high windows are cantilevered and bay type. The star of david fixed right on top of the building is used as a bas-relief decoration. The building dominates the landscape of that area while lending dignity to the street with its visual effect. It houses shops and offices.
Paintwork in 2002 saw the building transformed into a shade of yellow cream veneer giving the structure a prominent presence over its surrounding landscape.
Author
Naidu Ratnala Thulaja
References
Byrne, B. G. (2002). Singapore: A walking tour (p. 90). Singapore: Times Editions.
(Call no.: RSING 959.57 BYR)
Edwards, N., & Keys, P. (1988). Singapore: A guide to buildings, streets, places (pp. 261). Singapore: Times Books International.
(Call no.: RSING 915.957 EDW)
Tyers, R. K. (1993). Ray Tyers' Singapore: Then and now (p. 71). Singapore: Landmark Books.
(Call no.: RSING 959.57 TYE)
Singapore days of old: A special commemorative history of Singapore published on the 10th anniversary of Singapore Tatler (p. 135). (1992). Hong Kong: Illustrated Magazine.
(Call no.: RSING 959.57 SIN)
The information in this article is valid as at 2003 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.
