On the eastern side of Esplanade stands a spectacular building in Baroque style, complete with domes, pediments, balconies & clock tower. Known as the Metropolitan Building it once housed Calcutta's (Kolkata's) leading departmental stores and was known as the Whiteway Laidlaw Building.
Repaired recently the Metropolitan Building still stands as an important landmark overlooking the crowded Chowringhee. Today the ground floor is occupied by the Central Cottage Industry Showroom and the Big Bazar, whose innumerable red & blue banners have robbed the Metropolitan Building of its beauty & grace. The upper floors are occupied by innumerable tenants residing in box like quarters.
Here the Metropolitan Building (Whiteway Laidlaw Building) is seen with another Calcutta's (Kolkata's) landmark the Yellow Ambasador Taxi. |
