The Civic District I

The Oldest Survivor

G. D. Coleman designed this structure in 1826 for John Argyle Maxwell’s residencial usage. In 1827, it was rented to the Government so that it could function as a Court House. George Gerald de H. Laurent and John Cockrell bought over the building in 1829.



The Tale of the Transformation

In 1839, a single-storey extensions were made to the building so that in addition to serving as the Court House, the building was also used by public offices.

In 1841, the East India Company bought over the building and in 1847, the new Court House extension was enlarged to accommodate the Recorder, Jurors and prisoners.

In 1939, this building was used as a government storehouse and as the Department of Social Welfare

In 1953, the building underwent renovations again so as to serve its new masters, the Legislative Assembly.

In 1959, it became the self-ruling Singapore’s Parliament House

In 2004, Coleman’s building was reopened as the Arts House after undergoing extensive renovations.

National Monument Status

Under section 9 of the Preservation of Monuments Act this building was gazetted on 14 February 1992 and 3 July 1992 as one of Singapore's National Monuments.



The Siamese Link

Phrabat Somdet Phra Poramin Maha Chulalongkorn, Rama V of Siam was possibly one of the earliest foreign dignitary to visit this British Colony. As a commemoration of his 1871 visit, he gifted this tiny island with a bronze statue of the elephant which currently resides on the grounds of the Arts House.



The Irony

This building won the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Heritage Awards in 2004 for its success in maintaining the original charm in the mist of its transformation process, yet it has been documented that presently only the arches inside the porch are possibly from the original Coleman creation!



Trivia

Did you know that this building is siting on the site were the Temenggong Abdul Rahman and his followers called home?

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