Singaporeans are a nostalgic bunch, and you can’t blame us for it. The city is ever-evolving, and landmarks that are here today may be gone tomorrow. It seems like just yesterday when the Pearl Bank Apartments were still around, but they’ve since been transformed into One Pearl Bank by Capitaland - a circular tower with the world’s first vertical allotment gardens.
New developments often take the blame for our disappearing heritage, but resistance to modernity will always be futile. But even amid the cookie cutter condominium developments that have sprouted over the years, a couple has made room for the site’s history. In the coming years, we can even expect condominium projects that are keeping their facades intact.
1. Atlassia

Brought to us by the same folks behind Olloi, Atlassia at Joo Chiat Place will be a conservation shophouse with both commercial and residential units. They were first built nearly 90 years ago in an art deco style, and will be joined by an appending block to form a freehold mixed-use development with an old-world charm.
Atlassia houses just over thirty 1 to 5-bedroom residential units (and a 3-bedroom dual key one) across five storeys - all of which have been maximised for living space through provisions such as modular wardrobes, multi-function kitchen equipment, and pull-out dining tables to seat more guests at your dinner party. Don’t let its low-lying exterior fool you, though, for it has nine loft apartments with a ceiling height of up to 4.5m and a mezzanine floor. There’s even one with a private balcony and courtyard. Talk about exclusivity.
2. 1953

Another upcoming development which similarly promises the experience of shophouse living is 1953. Located in the Farrer Park vicinity and along Tessensohn, the freehold mixed-use development spans six stories of 58 residential units and 14 shop units. These are divided into the Heritage Collection, which features the conserved shophouses; and Modern Collection, where most residential units and nine Penthouse Collection apartments will be found.
All of the above are within walking distance of Farrer Park MRT Station, Boon Keng MRT Station, as well as popular dining options in the vicinity. Residents can also book the Alfresco Dining and Western Grill for poolside dining, though the list of facilities is not exhaustive. As layouts tend to be eclectic, you would also have to make some sacrifices. Among these are elevators, closed-concept kitchens, storage spaces, and utility yards.
3. Riviere

Jiak Kim Street holds many fond (albeit blurred) memories of ours, particularly of a time before Zouk relocated to Clarke Quay. The area has laid low for a while now, but we can expect to see Riviere Condo - yet another mixed private development - on its grounds soon. Touting a luxury living experience along the Singapore River, the 99-year old leasehold project will be a duo of 36-storey residential towers housing 455 1-4 bedroom units.
What heritage can we preserve in such an upmarket location, though? Well, Riviere will be constructed alongside three industrial warehouses - emblems of the river’s past as a shipping hub two centuries back. While these landmarks are demarcated from the residential towers, they are set to offer a plethora of hospitality, lifestyle, food, and wellness options as well as Frasers Property’s serviced apartments. Their reputed hospitality is not exclusive to guests, though, for residents can access bespoke laundry and housekeeping services all the same.
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