The Ban Hin Lee Bank building is situated in Beach Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
| Ban Hin Lee Bank building | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| Location | 43 Beach Street |
| Town or city | George Town, Penang |
| Country | Malaysia |
| Completed | 1938 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Stark and McNeill |
History
editThe building was completed in 1938 by Yeap Chor Ee, business magnate, described at the time as the wealthiest man in Penang.[1] Having established the first locally owned and managed bank, Ban Hin Lee and Co. (meaning “Ten Thousand Prosperities”) in 1918,[2] he converted his banking business into a limited liability company in 1935,[3] and the following year began construction of the bank building on land that he owned at No.43 Beach Street in the heart of the commercial district.[4]
The building was designed by architect, Ung Ban Hoe of Stark and McNeill, construction was carried out by Ang Hooi Sin, and the cost was $200,000. The doors of the strongroom were imported from England, high-grade cement from Japan, and marble used for the floors. The bank moved into the building in 1938, and the upper floors were let to tenants.[2]
Description
editThe four-storey rectangular building, constructed in the Arte Deco style, had a large internal air-well from ground to top floor to provide maximum light and air circulation, and is said to comply with principles of fengshui.[2]
References
edit- ^ "LOCAL BANK TO EXTEND". Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle. 17 September 1935. p. 10.
- ^ a b c Quah Seng Sun (2020). Ten Thousand Prosperities: The Story of Ban Hin Lee Bank. Entrepot Publishing Sdn Bhd. p. 9. ISBN 9789671700877.
- ^ "BAN HIN LEE BANK LIMITED". The Straits Budget. 7 November 1935. p. 3.
- ^ "NEW BAN HIN LEE BANK". Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle. 22 July 1938. p. 8.