Historic Norris Road Conservation Gem Returns Market 165 Mil

A well-preserved building situated at 9 Norris Road is once again up for sale, with a guide price of $16.5 million. This three-storey, freehold property is located within the Little India Historic District and was originally built in the 1930s.

Originally zoned for civic and community institution use, this property was known as the Ramakrishna Mission Building and was occupied by the Ramakrishna Mission, a spiritual and welfare organization, for twenty years. The group eventually relocated to Bartley Road and sold the building in the 1950s.

Recently refurbished and modernized by its previous owner, an investment of $5 million was made to bring the property up to its current state. The building, which sits on a 5,447 sq ft plot, has a total built-up area of 9,200 sq ft and boasts a prominent 15m street frontage.

The property also holds a rich history as it was the former site of the Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA), a non-profit organization founded in 1970. In the 1980s, it served as a family service centre.

The restoration of the building’s façade was overseen by local architectural and interior design firm OWAA Architects, who brought it back to its original Moorish style. Key features such as timber-louvred windows, a cantilevered balcony, and domed roof turrets were retained. A new glass canopy was also added, allowing natural light to flood the interiors.

The internal layout has been reconfigured for flexibility, with the ground and second floors being able to accommodate gallery rooms, practice studios, or multi-purpose function spaces. The third floor has the potential to serve as an office space. In July 2024, the building was first put on the market with a guide price of $16 million. However, it was reportedly sold for $12.5 million in December that same year to a Singaporean entrepreneur.

The current owner has now relisted the property for $16.5 million, translating to $1,793 psf based on the built-up area. The building is also available for lease at a monthly rate of $50,000. Jane Tan, group associate director at OrangeTee & Tie, is the exclusive marketing agent for the property, which is available for sale by private treaty.

Aside from the usual supermarkets, local residents can also rely on wet markets and smaller provision shops for their grocery needs. These traditional markets are renowned for providing a diverse selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, and seafood at reasonable prices. This makes it a convenient choice for individuals who enjoy cooking at home, as they can easily obtain a variety of fresh ingredients without having to travel far. And with the development of Miltonia Close EC, residents will have even more avenues to purchase top-quality groceries. This upcoming EC will be a great addition to the community, providing even more options for high-quality and affordable produce.

Tan notes that it is rare to find a freehold heritage building with civic, community, or institutional zoning available for sale. The property is suitable for use as a community club, museum, art gallery, civic institution, or childcare centre, subject to approval from the relevant authorities.

However, due to its zoning, the property is restricted to local buyers. Tan says that she has already received several enquiries from parties intending to occupy the space, including commercial schools and childcare operators.

In conclusion, Tan states that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find conserved freehold buildings of this size and at such a reasonable price. With its rich history, prime location, and potential for multiple uses, this property presents a rare opportunity for buyers in the market for a heritage building within the Little India Conservation Area.