DCB Bank building, Sandhurst Road. Original name: Ismalia Bank Building. Original owners: The Ismalia Co-operative Bank. Architect: Yahya C. Merchant, A.R.I.B.A. (Lond.) Contractor: M. V. Nayak. Coloured Cement Plaster Work by: Simplex Concrete Works and Construction Co. Image 1: With its sweeping angles and central block topped with a turret, DCB Bank building could have very well served as our mascot. Source: The Modern House in India by ACC.

DCB Bank building, Sandhurst Road. Image 2: Fashioned in typical Bombay Deco, the erstwhile Ismalia Bank Building continues to retain its identity as a building housing a bank. But today, it is seen through a different lens, through cobwebs of modern life — electric wires and box grilles.

DCB Bank building, Sandhurst Road. Image 3: Quite noticeably, the turret has gone away and DCB Bank Building stands with a reduced stature.

DCB Bank building, Sandhurst Road. Image 4: An exceptional, detailed and bevel edged apron lines the building’s window. A closer look also tells us that like most banking buildings from that era, DCB Bank building also uses Malad stone cladding for its walls.

Shanti Sadan, Matunga. Original name: Giani Manzil. Architects: Adalja & Noorani. Once a pristine duotone establishment, now Shanti Sadan finds itself scrambling to reinforce its Deco identity — lost to the noise of urban living and neglect. Image 1: This street corner building’s former avatar as Giani Manzil. Source: The Modern House in India by ACC.

Shanti Sadan, Matunga. Original name: Giani Manzil. Architects: Adalja & Noorani. Once a pristine duotone establishment, now Shanti Sadan finds itself scrambling to reinforce its Deco identity — lost to the noise of urban living and neglect. Image 2: Shanti Sadan’s current form of Deco dysfunction. It wears a bright crown in yellow but the central window block wears a sepia tone, worn out over time.