Estrella Apartments

Nestled at the intersection of Huaihai Road and Ruijin Yi Road, the Ruijin Apartments (originally named Estrella Apartments) stand as a masterpiece of early 20th-century architecture in Shanghai. Designed in 1926 by the legendary Hungarian-Slovak architect László Hudec, this building epitomizes the fusion of Eastern and Western cultural influences that defined Shanghai’s golden era.

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?️ Architectural Significance

· Style: A elegant blend of French Renaissance and Baroque elements, featuring distinctive bamboo-joint columns, arched windows, and a striking white-and-brown façade.

· Innovation: One of Shanghai’s first luxury apartments equipped with modern amenities like elevators, gas stoves, and an incineration system—revolutionary for the 1920s.

· Design Legacy: Hudec’s use of vertical lines and cantilevered balconies creates a sense of grandeur while maintaining functional elegance.

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? Historical Journey

· Built in 1927, it initially served as a residential property for elite expatriates and later became part of financier Kong Xiangxi’s assets.

· Renamed “Ruijin Apartments” in the 1960s, it witnessed Shanghai’s transformation from a colonial hub to a global metropolis.

· Today, it is recognized as a Class III Protected Historical Building (2004), preserving its legacy while adapting to modern urban life.

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? Cultural Icon

· Featured in films like The Founding of a Republic, it remains a symbol of Shanghai’s cosmopolitan history.

· The ground-floor spaces now house trendy boutiques (e.g., Adidas), blending heritage with contemporary culture.