about the shophouse

Learning about the history of 36 Stewart Lane (also known as Lorong Stewart, and known hereafter as SL) is an ongoing project. However, we will share information about the house and its history as we uncover it. Our mission is to disseminate the most accurate information possible in the spirit of community partnership and historical preservation. We encourage anyone with general or specific knowledge of this house, the surrounding area, shophouses or heritage buildings in general to contact us.

Architectural History

To the best of our knowledge, the shophouse is in the “Southern Chinese” Eclectic Style. These houses were primarily built between the 1840s and early 1900s. There are a number of components that identify this style, which can be recognized at 36 Stewart Lane.

• Louvered shutter windows across second floor facade
• Low wall under shutters
• Timber windows with iron bars
• Perankan Cina ceramic tiles
• Granite edge and stone step in front

We purchased the house in August 2009. At the time of purchase, the house was in ‘moderate’ condition.

• Nearly all of the original wood flooring was still intact. However, much of it has suffered from termite damage and it remains to be seen how much we can salvage.
• The floor was unfortunately covered with concrete, hiding the original granite slabs in the airwell.
• The original “V” shaped tera cota roof tiles were removed and replaced with sheet metal.
• While the original stairwells are still intact and solid, the interior furnishings are missing. Most importantly, the original wooden screen partition has been removed from the formal entryway.
• While the original wooden shutters have been removed from the front facade, we found them still intact and available for restoration.

You will find that the architectural style and layout of the house at 36 Stewart Lane closely resembles the diagram below. The primary difference between the house and this diagram is that 36 SL is both longer and taller.

Ownership History

Currently being researched.