Due to its configuration, as well as situation within the city, this site is the most versatile, malleable and offers a flexibility in selecting its inner program that may not be available at other sites.
The selected site consists of ten four-story tenement buildings, four along Burrows St. and six along Mallory St, connected via an inner courtyard-type space in between. This building typology was common in the early- to mid-20th century, but as the city modernized, and the population grew, these tenement buildings were torn down to make way for either high-rise apartment buildings or urbanized office complexes. However, even with the density of the commercial typology, one of the most common demographic group frequenting the area are in the younger age range of secondary school students who study and/or live in the area.
In the immediate surrounding area, the Wan Chai district is primarily commercial and office buildings. However, there are also several apartment complexes and educational institutions available nearby as well. While perhaps no longer suitable as a small residential complex in a largely developed city, this site offers the option to become a public amenity, as well as a refreshing break in the urban, commercial fabric of Wan Chai. Potential ideas for programming possibilities include breakout space, retail geared towards a more focused audience, a recreational facility and/or a reintroduction of the original retail-residential mixed-use facility.
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