One of the most important landmarks in Mumbai is the Hutatma Chowk / Flora Fountain area. A major square and traffic junction, it is surrounded by vintage buildings, arcades and tree lined walkways. In the centre of the square is the iconic Flora Fountain dedicated to the Roman Goddess Flora. Next to it is the Hutatma Statue.

Directly to the north of the fountain, there is a tall triangular stone building. It is a most fascinating structure. With its towers and turrets, it resembles a fairytale castle. On the front façade of the structure, it says: Oriental Buildings.

This place was originally the site of the Cathedral High School. Later it was acquired by the Oriental Life Assurance Company and remodelled into the current iconic structure. The architect of the building was Frederick William Stevens, who had also designed the CSMT Railway Station Building and the BMC Building.

The structure of Oriental Buildings is amongst the architect’s most admired works.…