Pedder Building

Designed by Palmer and Turner Architects, and has always been let for commercial use. The building was originally owned by Mr. So Shek Chung, and passed to Mr. Ng Wah in 1926. In 1962 the property was sold to Tai Kee Leong Co. Ltd, owned by Fok Ying-tung. The building hosted the headquarters of Jebsen & Co. (now Jebsen Group) from 1925 to 1965. == Heritage value ==

The Pedder Building is listed as a "Grade II Historic Building" by the Hong Kong Antiquities and Monuments Office (grading awarded in 1981), and was upgraded to Grade I on 10 September 2020. There is an intermediate moulding above the three main entrance arches which used to be lined with a row of gargoyle masks flanked on the two ends by two giant bronze figures. However, in 1990, the gargoyles came loose and fell off, and the ornaments were subsequently removed. Symbolising the colonial history of Hong Kong, the building showcases Hong Kong as an international city, where western and eastern culture merge. Nevertheless, owners Henry Fok Estates have shied from their custodial role of the heritage site, with managing director Ian Fok Chun-wan saying it is becoming harder for owners to conserve heritage buildings because of tight regulations and a lack of incentives or benefits. ==Occupants==

shop interior Occupying the ground floor and basement area of the building, Shanghai Tang was one of the prominent tenants in the building. The shop was founded by a local businessman, David Tang, and it is well known for selling pre-war retro-styled Chinese fashion. Oriental Chinese restaurant China Tee Club, founded in 1986 by former Miss Hong Kong Loletta Chu and her two sisters, is located on the first floor of the building. It used to be members-only but now it serves non-members for dinner. On the first floor and above there are more than a dozen small stores selling garments, jewellery, fashion and similar. One floor houses a number of clinics. In July 2011, it was announced that fashion clothing giant Abercrombie & Fitch would take over three main floors and the basement for a new store, ousting Shanghai Tang and the China Tee Club, which closed on 30 September 2011. However, in November 2016, the fashion retailer announced its decision to close down their flagship Hong Kong store, citing strategic review. To continue its presence in Central, Shanghai Tang set up several project units, namely "Shanghai Tang Loft" on the sixth floor of the Pedder Building, from 23 October to 20 February 2012. == CBD context ==

Located in the central business district, the Pedder Building is surrounded by skyscrapers and modern architecture. Opposite the building is The Landmark, a mecca of high-street fashion brands and luxury shops. The passage next to the building is filled with local speciality booths together with other historic buildings and sites such as the Steps and Gas Lamps on Duddell Street nearby. ==Transport==

The D2 exit of Central MTR station leads to the main entrance of the building. Buses from Mid-Levels, Southern District and Ma On Shan also reach the building. Besides taking MTR and buses, tram and minibus are the other two possible options too. Many minibus routes pass along Pedder Street. == References ==