This week in Shanghaiist
The handsome former slaughterhouse building "1933" is an Art Deco landmark in Hong Kou. which we've written about twice before. Apart from the occasional exhibition, its doors remain closed to the public, so we spent Saturday taking a peek around to see how this new "creative space" is taking shape.
Spread over four levels, the circular central building is as beautiful as a real-life MC Escher drawing. Concrete spiral staircases and curved walkways lead up to a circular glass stage area called "The Theater" which can, and has, supported the weight of a car.
Office space in the square outer building on the upper floors is already partially occupied by creative types doing their creative thing.
The prime spot on the third floor is set to become a new Jade Garden, and although it is still just a concrete shell at the moment, we were told to expect a David Laris designed steakhouse to open in June.
A cigar bar on the ground floor is, apparently, ready to open although we weren't given a date, other cafes and bars will follow.
Don't expect some kind of second XinTianDi however, only 30% of the space in the former slaughterhouse is devoted to Food & Beverage, and there are no plans for any kind of shops. 1933 is big on bringing "a higher awareness of the fullness of life, underpinned by a refined appreciation for beauty, art and culture."
but so far, short on places for the paying public to spend any cash.
And here is a Shanghai Beat video filmed at 1933 during the recent SICIW exhibition:
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The guys behind this project seem to want to do the right thing...big vision. More power to them. Shanghai needs something different. I am getting tired of the same old same old.