Metropolitan Building (Kolkata) - Revision history

Owen79097529716: correct details and cleaned formatting

2026-03-20T02:36:08Z

correct details and cleaned formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:06, 20 March 2026
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	\| former_names = Whiteway & Laidlaw department store		\| former_names = Whiteway & Laidlaw department store
	\| alternate_names =		\| alternate_names =
	\| status = Used as a residential and a commercial building		\| status = Used as a residential and commercial building
	\| image = File:Metropolitan Building, Esplanade Kolkata (~~Edited~~).jpg		\| image = File:Metropolitan Building, Esplanade Kolkata (Original).jpg
	\| image_alt =		\| image_alt =
	\| image_size = 250px		\| image_size = 250px
	\| caption = Metropolitan Building in [[Esplanade, Kolkata]], from the [[Chowringhee]] Crossing		\| caption = Metropolitan Building in [[Esplanade, Kolkata]], from the [[Chowringhee]] Crossing
	\| ~~map_type~~ =		\| pushpin_map =
	\| ~~map_alt~~ =		\| pushpin_map_alt =
	\| map_caption =		\| map_caption =
	\| altitude = 9.509 m		\| altitude = 9.509 m
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	\| client =		\| client =
	\| owner = [[Life Insurance Corporation of India]]		\| owner = [[Life Insurance Corporation of India]]
	\| current_tenants = [[Life Insurance Corporation of India~~]] &~~ houses many offices & stores such as [[Big Bazaar]] & the Central Cottage Industry Showroom.		\| current_tenants = Life Insurance Corporation of India; also houses many offices and stores such as [[Big Bazaar]] and the Central Cottage Industry Showroom
	\| landlord =		\| landlord =
	\| location =		\| location =
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	\| coordinates = {{coord\|22.5637\|88.3516\|display=inline,title}}		\| coordinates = {{coord\|22.5637\|88.3516\|display=inline,title}}
	\| groundbreaking_date =		\| groundbreaking_date =
	\| ~~start_date~~ = 1905		\| construction_start_date = 1905
	\| completion_date =		\| completion_date =
	\| opened_date =		\| opened_date =
	\| inauguration_date =		\| inauguration_date =
	\| renovation_date =		\| renovation_date =
	\| ~~demolition_date~~ =		\| demolished_date =
	\| destruction_date =		\| destruction_date =
	\| height =		\| height =
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	\| ren_oth_designers =		\| ren_oth_designers =
	\| ren_qty_surveyor =		\| ren_qty_surveyor =
	\| ren_awards =		\| ren_awards =
	\| parking =		\| parking =
	\| website = [http://www.wmf.org/project/metropolitan-building Website]		\| website = [http://www.wmf.org/project/metropolitan-building Website]
	\| embedded =		\| embedded =
	\| references =		\| references =
	}}		}}
	'''Metropolitan Building''' is ~~the number 46.26~~ building on [[Chowringhee Road]] in [[Kolkata]] near [[Esplanade, Kolkata\|Esplanade]]. Formerly known as the [[~~Whiteway~~ Laidlaw department store]], it was a famous department store in [[Calcutta]] during the [[British Rule]] in India. This neo-baroque emporium—with domes, a clock tower and arched recessed windows—exemplifies fashionable shopping during the British Raj in [[British India]].		The '''Metropolitan Building''' is a commercial building on [[Chowringhee Road]] in [[Kolkata]] near [[Esplanade, Kolkata\|Esplanade]]. It is located near the [[Shaheed Minar, Kolkata\|Shaheed Minar]] and the [[Grand Hotel (Calcutta)\|Grand Hotel]] and is just opposite of the new [[Esplanade metro station\|Esplanade Metro Station]]. Formerly known as the [[Whiteaway Laidlaw]] department store, it was a famous department store in [[Calcutta]] during the [[British Rule]] in India. It is one of the first departmental store in India. This neo-baroque emporium—with domes, a clock tower and arched recessed windows—exemplifies fashionable shopping during the British Raj in [[British India]].

	The building was built in 1905. ~~Post~~ Independence Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. assumed ownership, so people know it more commonly as Metropolitan Building. ~~Currently it is owned by~~ the Life Insurance ~~Corporation~~ of ~~India (~~LIC).<ref>{{cite book\|title=INTACH (Guide to Kolkata)\|year=2009\|publisher=INTACH}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Preserving ~~Kolkata’s~~ Heritage Buildings\|url=http://www.maamatimanush.tv/articles.php?aid=233\|access-date=31 December 2013\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101140408/http://www.maamatimanush.tv/articles.php?aid=233\|archive-date=1 January 2014\|url-status=dead}}</ref> ~~It is located near the [[Shaheed Minar, Kolkata\|Shaheed Minar]] and the [[Grand Hotel (Calcutta)\|Grand Hotel]].~~		The building was built in 1905. After Independence, Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. assumed ownership against a borrower default and named the building, so people know it more commonly as the Metropolitan Building.

			In 1956, Metropolitan Insurance was nationalised under the Life Insurance Act of parliament and the LIC took over the company and its assets from its owning family, the Bhattacharyas. The family continued adverse occupation of a large part of the building for years after the acquisition, and appealed to the courts over the next three generations until all claimants had died. The LIC eventually obtained full possession and is the current owner.<ref>{{cite book\|title=INTACH (Guide to Kolkata)\|year=2009\|publisher=INTACH}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Preserving Kolkata's Heritage Buildings\|url=http://www.maamatimanush.tv/articles.php?aid=233\|access-date=31 December 2013\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101140408/http://www.maamatimanush.tv/articles.php?aid=233\|archive-date=1 January 2014\|url-status=dead}}</ref>

	== History ==		== History ==
	The building was built in 1905.		The building was built in 1905.

	After Independence, the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. assumed ownership, so people know it more commonly as Metropolitan Building.[[File:ChowringhrrKolkata1945.jpg\|thumb\|left\|The building's clock tower seen at the end of the photo taken in [[Esplanade, Kolkata\|Esplanade, Calcutta]] in 1945]]		After Independence, the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. assumed ownership, so people know it more commonly as Metropolitan Building as the building also housed the Metropolitan Bank, another family-owned financial enterprise.[[File:ChowringhrrKolkata1945.jpg\|thumb\|left\|The building's clock tower seen at the end of the photo taken in [[Esplanade, Kolkata\|Esplanade, Calcutta]] in 1945]]

	===Renovation===		===Renovation===
	The building was restored by the [[Life Insurance Corporation of India]] (LIC). ~~But it~~ still houses a commercial complex.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-16/kolkata/33879967_1_heritage-buildings-heritage-conservation-committee-heritage-structure\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102004454/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-16/kolkata/33879967_1_heritage-buildings-heritage-conservation-committee-heritage-structure\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=2 January 2014\|title=History can mean big business too\|last=Ray\|first=Saikat\|date=16 September 2012\|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]\|access-date=31 December 2013}}</ref> The building was freshly repainted with white and golden paint ~~and its~~ exterior structure was also renovated ~~while making~~ extensive changes within.		The building was restored by the [[Life Insurance Corporation of India]] (LIC). It still houses a commercial complex.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-16/kolkata/33879967_1_heritage-buildings-heritage-conservation-committee-heritage-structure\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102004454/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-16/kolkata/33879967_1_heritage-buildings-heritage-conservation-committee-heritage-structure\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=2 January 2014\|title=History can mean big business too\|last=Ray\|first=Saikat\|date=16 September 2012\|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]\|access-date=31 December 2013}}</ref> The building was freshly repainted with white and golden paint. Its exterior structure was also renovated, and extensive changes were made within.

	==Features==		==Features==
	It is a large building recognisable by its corner tower with the dome raised high on a pavilion. ~~Rustication~~ in the ground floor and a semicircular arched arcade in the first floor. The facade is punctuated by a series of projected and pedimented bays with plain columns and [[Corinthia]]n capitals.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Datta \|first=Rangan \|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/rangan-datta/4372075577/ \|title=Metropolitan Building, Esplanade, Calcutta \| Flickr - Photo Sharing! \|publisher=Flickr \|access-date=2012-03-24}}</ref>		It is a large beautiful building recognisable by its corner tower with the dome raised high on a pavilion. There is rustication in the ground floor and a semicircular arched arcade in the first floor. The facade is punctuated by a series of projected and pedimented bays with plain columns and [[Corinthia]]n capitals.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Datta \|first=Rangan \|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/rangan-datta/4372075577/ \|title=Metropolitan Building, Esplanade, Calcutta \| Flickr - Photo Sharing! \|publisher=Flickr \|access-date=2012-03-24}}</ref>
	==Gallery==		==Gallery==

	<gallery class="center" caption="Metropolitan Building ~~Gallery~~" widths="125px" heights="100px" perrow="4">		<gallery class="center" caption="Metropolitan Building gallery" widths="125px" heights="100px" perrow="4">
	File:Metropolitan Building - Esplanade - Kolkata 2011-12-18 0026.JPG\|Metropolitan Building in [[Esplanade, Kolkata]] after ~~the~~ recent renovation		File:Metropolitan Building - Esplanade - Kolkata 2011-12-18 0026.JPG\|Metropolitan Building in [[Esplanade, Kolkata]] after a recent renovation
	File:Whiteways and Laidlaw Building.jpg\|The ~~Building~~ under renovation		File:Whiteways and Laidlaw Building.jpg\|The building under renovation
	</gallery>		</gallery>

UpdateBot at 03:11, 4 June 2022

2022-06-04T03:11:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:41, 4 June 2022
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	{{Short description\|Building in Kolkata ~~(Calcutta), West Bengal~~, India~~, 140, SN Banerjee Road, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700013~~}}		{{Short description\|Building in Kolkata, India}}
	{{Other uses\|Metropolitan Building (disambiguation){{!}}Metropolitan Building}}		{{Other uses\|Metropolitan Building (disambiguation){{!}}Metropolitan Building}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=July 2018}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=July 2018}}
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	\| client =		\| client =
	\| owner = [[Life Insurance Corporation of India]]		\| owner = [[Life Insurance Corporation of India]]
	\| current_tenants = [[Life Insurance Corporation of India]] & houses many offices & stores such as [[Big Bazaar]] & the Central Cottage Industry Showroom~~. The upper floors are occupied by innumerable tenants residing in box like quarters~~.		\| current_tenants = [[Life Insurance Corporation of India]] & houses many offices & stores such as [[Big Bazaar]] & the Central Cottage Industry Showroom.
	\| landlord =		\| landlord =
	\| location =		\| location =
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	'''Metropolitan Building''' is the number 46.26 building on [[Chowringhee Road]] in [[Kolkata]] near [[Esplanade, Kolkata\|Esplanade]]. Formerly known as the [[Whiteway Laidlaw department store]], it was a famous department store in [[Calcutta]] during the [[British Rule]] in India. This neo-baroque emporium—with domes, a clock tower and arched recessed windows—exemplifies fashionable shopping during the British Raj in [[British India]].		'''Metropolitan Building''' is the number 46.26 building on [[Chowringhee Road]] in [[Kolkata]] near [[Esplanade, Kolkata\|Esplanade]]. Formerly known as the [[Whiteway Laidlaw department store]], it was a famous department store in [[Calcutta]] during the [[British Rule]] in India. This neo-baroque emporium—with domes, a clock tower and arched recessed windows—exemplifies fashionable shopping during the British Raj in [[British India]].

	The building was built in 1905. Post Independence Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. assumed ownership, so people know it more commonly as Metropolitan Building.<ref>{{cite book\|title=INTACH (Guide to Kolkata)\|year=2009\|publisher=INTACH}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Preserving Kolkata’s Heritage Buildings\|url=http://www.maamatimanush.tv/articles.php?aid=233\|access-date=31 December 2013\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101140408/http://www.maamatimanush.tv/articles.php?aid=233\|archive-date=1 January 2014\|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is located near the [[Shaheed Minar, Kolkata\|Shaheed Minar]] and the [[Grand Hotel (Calcutta)\|Grand Hotel]].		The building was built in 1905. Post Independence Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. assumed ownership, so people know it more commonly as Metropolitan Building. Currently it is owned by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).<ref>{{cite book\|title=INTACH (Guide to Kolkata)\|year=2009\|publisher=INTACH}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Preserving Kolkata’s Heritage Buildings\|url=http://www.maamatimanush.tv/articles.php?aid=233\|access-date=31 December 2013\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101140408/http://www.maamatimanush.tv/articles.php?aid=233\|archive-date=1 January 2014\|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is located near the [[Shaheed Minar, Kolkata\|Shaheed Minar]] and the [[Grand Hotel (Calcutta)\|Grand Hotel]].

	== History ==		== History ==
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	After Independence, the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. assumed ownership, so people know it more commonly as Metropolitan Building.[[File:ChowringhrrKolkata1945.jpg\|thumb\|left\|The building's clock tower seen at the end of the photo taken in [[Esplanade, Kolkata\|Esplanade, Calcutta]] in 1945]]		After Independence, the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. assumed ownership, so people know it more commonly as Metropolitan Building.[[File:ChowringhrrKolkata1945.jpg\|thumb\|left\|The building's clock tower seen at the end of the photo taken in [[Esplanade, Kolkata\|Esplanade, Calcutta]] in 1945]]

	~~=== 1991 Fire ===~~
	In 1991, a fire ravaged the top floor of the majestic Metropolitan Building and hundreds of original negatives of [[Bourne and Shepherd]], reputed to be the world’s oldest operational photography studio,<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person.php?LinkID=mp08090&role=art\|title=Bourne & Shepherd (active 1863-)\|publisher=National Portrait Gallery\|access-date=31 December 2013}}</ref> established in the late 19th century, perished in the fire.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.livemint.com/2011/02/24183136/Kolkata8217s-march-to-the-p.html\|title=1991 fire\|date=2011-02-24\|publisher=Livemint.com\|access-date=2012-03-24}}</ref>

	===Renovation===		===Renovation===
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	==Features==		==Features==
	It is a large building recognisable by its corner tower with the dome raised high on a pavilion. Rustication in the ground floor and a semicircular arched arcade in the first floor. The facade is punctuated by a series of projected and pedimented bays with plain columns and [[Corinthia]]n capitals~~. Repaired recently, the Metropolitan Building still stands as an important landmark overlooking the crowded [[Chowringhee]]~~.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Datta \|first=Rangan \|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/rangan-datta/4372075577/ \|title=Metropolitan Building, Esplanade, Calcutta \| Flickr - Photo Sharing! \|publisher=Flickr \|access-date=2012-03-24}}</ref>		It is a large building recognisable by its corner tower with the dome raised high on a pavilion. Rustication in the ground floor and a semicircular arched arcade in the first floor. The facade is punctuated by a series of projected and pedimented bays with plain columns and [[Corinthia]]n capitals.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Datta \|first=Rangan \|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/rangan-datta/4372075577/ \|title=Metropolitan Building, Esplanade, Calcutta \| Flickr - Photo Sharing! \|publisher=Flickr \|access-date=2012-03-24}}</ref>
	==Gallery==		==Gallery==

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	==External links==		==External links==
	{{Commonscat-inline~~\|Whiteways and Laidlaw Building~~\|Metropolitan Building}}		{{Commonscat-inline\|Metropolitan Building (Kolkata)}}
	{{Kolkata topics}}		{{Kolkata topics}}
	{{Tourist attractions in Kolkata}}		{{Tourist attractions in Kolkata}}

	[[Category:Buildings and structures in Kolkata]]		[[Category:Buildings and structures in Kolkata]]

2409:4060:E89:E240:1550:7B4E:D8A9:156D at 18:05, 13 July 2021

2021-07-13T18:05:02Z

New page

{{Short description|Building in Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal, India, 140, SN Banerjee Road, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700013}}
{{Other uses|Metropolitan Building (disambiguation){{!}}Metropolitan Building}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2018}}
{{Infobox building
| name = Metropolitan Building
| former_names = Whiteway & Laidlaw department store
| alternate_names =
| status = Used as a residential and a commercial building
| image = File:Metropolitan Building, Esplanade Kolkata (Edited).jpg
| image_alt =
| image_size = 250px
| caption = Metropolitan Building in [[Esplanade, Kolkata]], from the [[Chowringhee]] Crossing
| map_type =
| map_alt =
| map_caption =
| altitude = 9.509 m
| building_type =
| architectural_style =
| structural_system =
| cost =
| ren_cost =
| client =
| owner = [[Life Insurance Corporation of India]]
| current_tenants = [[Life Insurance Corporation of India]] & houses many offices & stores such as [[Big Bazaar]] & the Central Cottage Industry Showroom. The upper floors are occupied by innumerable tenants residing in box like quarters.
| landlord =
| location =
| address = 7, [[Chowringhee Road]]
| location_town = [[Kolkata]]
| location_country = [[India]]
| coordinates = {{coord|22.5637|88.3516|display=inline,title}}
| groundbreaking_date =
| start_date = 1905
| completion_date =
| opened_date =
| inauguration_date =
| renovation_date =
| demolition_date =
| destruction_date =
| height =
| diameter =
| antenna_spire =
| roof =
| top_floor =
| other_dimensions =
| floor_count =
| floor_area =
| seating_type =
| seating_capacity =
| elevator_count =
| main_contractor =
| architect =
| architecture_firm =
| structural_engineer =
| services_engineer =
| civil_engineer =
| other_designers =
| quantity_surveyor =
| awards =
| designations =
| ren_architect =
| ren_firm =
| ren_str_engineer =
| ren_serv_engineer =
| ren_civ_engineer =
| ren_oth_designers =
| ren_qty_surveyor =
| ren_awards =
| parking =
| website = [http://www.wmf.org/project/metropolitan-building Website]
| embedded =
| references =
}}
'''Metropolitan Building''' is the number 46.26 building on [[Chowringhee Road]] in [[Kolkata]] near [[Esplanade, Kolkata|Esplanade]]. Formerly known as the [[Whiteway Laidlaw department store]], it was a famous department store in [[Calcutta]] during the [[British Rule]] in India. This neo-baroque emporium—with domes, a clock tower and arched recessed windows—exemplifies fashionable shopping during the British Raj in [[British India]].

The building was built in 1905. Post Independence Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. assumed ownership, so people know it more commonly as Metropolitan Building.<ref>{{cite book|title=INTACH (Guide to Kolkata)|year=2009|publisher=INTACH}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Preserving Kolkata’s Heritage Buildings|url=http://www.maamatimanush.tv/articles.php?aid=233|access-date=31 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101140408/http://www.maamatimanush.tv/articles.php?aid=233|archive-date=1 January 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is located near the [[Shaheed Minar, Kolkata|Shaheed Minar]] and the [[Grand Hotel (Calcutta)|Grand Hotel]].

== History ==
The building was built in 1905.

After Independence, the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. assumed ownership, so people know it more commonly as Metropolitan Building.[[File:ChowringhrrKolkata1945.jpg|thumb|left|The building's clock tower seen at the end of the photo taken in [[Esplanade, Kolkata|Esplanade, Calcutta]] in 1945]]

=== 1991 Fire ===
In 1991, a fire ravaged the top floor of the majestic Metropolitan Building and hundreds of original negatives of [[Bourne and Shepherd]], reputed to be the world’s oldest operational photography studio,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person.php?LinkID=mp08090&role=art|title=Bourne & Shepherd (active 1863-)|publisher=National Portrait Gallery|access-date=31 December 2013}}</ref> established in the late 19th century, perished in the fire.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livemint.com/2011/02/24183136/Kolkata8217s-march-to-the-p.html|title=1991 fire|date=2011-02-24|publisher=Livemint.com|access-date=2012-03-24}}</ref>

===Renovation===
The building was restored by the [[Life Insurance Corporation of India]] (LIC). But it still houses a commercial complex.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-16/kolkata/33879967_1_heritage-buildings-heritage-conservation-committee-heritage-structure|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102004454/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-16/kolkata/33879967_1_heritage-buildings-heritage-conservation-committee-heritage-structure|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 January 2014|title=History can mean big business too|last=Ray|first=Saikat|date=16 September 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=31 December 2013}}</ref> The building was freshly repainted with white and golden paint and its exterior structure was also renovated while making extensive changes within.

==Features==
It is a large building recognisable by its corner tower with the dome raised high on a pavilion. Rustication in the ground floor and a semicircular arched arcade in the first floor. The facade is punctuated by a series of projected and pedimented bays with plain columns and [[Corinthia]]n capitals. Repaired recently, the Metropolitan Building still stands as an important landmark overlooking the crowded [[Chowringhee]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Datta |first=Rangan |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/rangan-datta/4372075577/ |title=Metropolitan Building, Esplanade, Calcutta | Flickr - Photo Sharing! |publisher=Flickr |access-date=2012-03-24}}</ref>
==Gallery==

<gallery class="center" caption="Metropolitan Building Gallery" widths="125px" heights="100px" perrow="4">
File:Metropolitan Building - Esplanade - Kolkata 2011-12-18 0026.JPG|Metropolitan Building in [[Esplanade, Kolkata]] after the recent renovation
File:Whiteways and Laidlaw Building.jpg|The Building under renovation
</gallery>

==See also==
*[[Esplanade, Kolkata]]
*[[Jawaharlal Nehru Road]]
*[[Chowringhee]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commonscat-inline|Whiteways and Laidlaw Building|Metropolitan Building}}
{{Kolkata topics}}
{{Tourist attractions in Kolkata}}

[[Category:Buildings and structures in Kolkata]]