Ripon Building in Chennai

The Ripon Building in Chennai is an outstanding example of the many modern British constructions in Madras. The Ripon Building is the official venue for the Madras Corporation. Located in the West of Central station, this magnificent white building with its domed features is a proud symbol of Chennai. The Ripon Building came into existence in the year 1913 and comprises of a large Municipal Complex which includes lovely gardens, parks, the Nehru Stadium, Moore Market and Victoria Public Hall.

Features of Ripon Building in Chennai

  -   The building is named after the Father of Local Self government, Lord Ripon. The proposition for building such a building was given by the Viceroy and governor general of that time on December 12, 1909.

  -   The site of the municipal Corporation of Madras shifted base to the Ripon Building in 1913 after carrying out its operation from many other places. P.L Moore acted as the president of the Municipal Corporation during the inauguration of the Ripon Building.

  -   The Ripon Building displays a unique blend of three architectural designs- Gothic, Ionic and Corinthian. The total floor area of the Ripon Building is estimated around 9, 628 square meters. The construction of the Ripon Building was placed under the supervision of four engineers at different points of time. They were C.L.T Griffith, J.E.Hensman, E.P Richard and James R.Coats.

  -   To make the Ripon Building strong enough to withstand the ravages of time, stock bricks set and plastered in lime mortar were used. Teak wood joists were used to provide support to the roofs and the Cuddapah floor in the ground floor was replaced with marble flooring. On the other hand, the floors of the first and second floors sported a pressed Terracotta variety.

  -   The main highlight of the Ripon Building however is the West Minister Quarter Chiming Clock. The Clock was put up by Oakes and Company in the year 1913 at an elevation of 20.58 meters from the terrace level. The ancient clock has a mechanical key system which needs to be winded everyday. The 4 bells were put up by Gillet and Johnston.

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