Facelift for HCM City Post Office stirs criticism

A facelift for HCM City's 130-year-old post office has stirred critics for being too garish, even through the colours used matched those of the original building that is a landmark of the city.

 

Front of the Post Office building 

The building, at 2 Paris Commune in District 1 was built in 1886 by the French colonial government and, along with the Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Tax Centre, is considered a symbol of HCM City, making it a popular destination for foreign tourists and attracting thousands of visitors a day.

Local authorities spent nearly VND5b to restore the façade, the project starting in September 2014 and scheduled for completion ahead of next month's Tet.

The post office is decorated mainly in orange-yellow with white trim and highlights, which was its original colouring and symbolised the colours of the Vietnam post and telecommunication industry.

On January 6, the building’s front has been completed while refurbishment of the surrounding area continues.

 

Old patterns still preserved

 

Tourists take photo outside the Post Office Building on January 6.

With the facelift, the building has attracted much attention from local residents as well as domestic and foreign visitors.

While many are pleased with the fresh face, some say it is too showy and dazzling.

One member of the public said the colours are too gaudy, and say it is out of harmony with neighbouring buildings.

“The building has lost its unique and ancient beauty,” one member of the public said.

Source : dtinews[dot]vn

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