243 & 271 CR Avenue

These are two demonstrative conservation projects that has been undertaken to revive the value of the existing buildings.

243 CR Avenue was a condemned building by KMC and that was declared a dangerous building to inhabit. The primary challenge was to make the building safe through meticulous restoration of its structural fabric and a sensible conservation process that was adapted to revive the vitality of the building. The restored building was further value-added to meet contemporary necessities like aspects of liveability and infrastructure, at the same time retain the old age charm and ambiance. The spaces generated were flexible and could be used for revenue generation. This ensured that the project could become part of mainstream development without compromising on historicity and grandeur.

Seeing the success of 243CR avenue prompted the owner of 271CR avenue to undertake a similar process of conservation. These projects have become practical examples of sustainable intervention of grade–II heritage structure in old-city cores in a process that is cost-effective and financially viable. Through appropriate infrastructure upgradation and value addition., these buildings are fire compliant, easily maintainable, have improved accessibility (lift) and are functional to accommodate multiple uses.

Location: CR Avenue, Kolkata
Client: Private Owners
Year: 2012