Page 63

Thong Chai Building

Though some landmark buildings are conserved, their original usage has changed.  The Thong Chai Medical Institution moved into this building (left) at 50 Eu Tong Sen Street in 1892.

Rich Chinese merchants established the clinic to provide free medical help to the poor in Chinatown, regardless of race and religion.  The building is typical of South China architecture except that the roof ridge is straight instead of curved.  After its preservation, it has been used by various commercial companies and is now owned by an American multi-level marketing firm.  The Thong Chai Building was gazetted as a National Monument in 1973.