Although Kada may seem like an abbreviation for its address, 5 Kadayanallur Street, its name also references the traditional metal bracelet worn by Indians as a symbol of strength and unity—values that reflect the nurturing, community-driven atmosphere Kada Ventures aims to cultivate.
As Director of Kada Ventures, which runs the building, Tong Shuh Lan hopes to foster a sense of connection and belonging. She brings extensive experience from senior management and board advisory roles in both public and private sectors and is also the owner of KK Temak Treehouse, the real estate firm behind award-winning developments like Kozue Niseko and Yamakei Residences in Japan.
Beyond Kada, Tong also worked on the redeveloped Margaret Market in Queenstown, which was transformed into a contemporary two-storey space offering food, produce, and fitness and health services in August 2023.
Like Margaret Market, the Kada building is an architectural icon. It opened in 1923 as
St Andrew’s Mission Hospital with 60 inpatient beds and an outpatient clinic. Following that, it played an integral role in Singapore’s healthcare system for most of the last century through different entities.
It also served as a hospital during the Japanese Occupation. Then it was a medical store (1946), an outpatient dispensary (1964), and an IOH polyclinic (1998). In the 2000s, Singapore Land Authority included the building in its heritage collection for commercial adaptation.
Kada and Margaret Market are a part of Singapore’s tapestry of heritage buildings earmarked by Urban Redevelopment Authority and Singapore Land Authority. Its vibrant heritage was something Tong and her team wanted to communicate in their design brief to Fivefootway Consultants.
The original fittings have been preserved to emphasise the architectural bones of the building. Additionally, the electric lift from 1929, said to be Singapore’s oldest, has been lovingly restored, with the original carriage’s elegant wood panelling still in pristine condition. The motor has also been overhauled to ensure its functionality and safety. “We have even retained the striking double scissors gates, which highlight the lift’s heritage and add to its charm,” adds Tong.
As she reveals, mechanical and electrical work posed the greatest challenges, but everyone handled them in stride. “Allocating a finite electrical supply to meet the needs of the various tenants required careful calibration and all tenants to embrace sustainability solutions.”
Overhead fans keep the building’s natural ventilation intact and maintain visitor comfort. Otherwise, the modernist beauty, with its column-less structure and open
roof, worked in their favour.
As Tong beams, she says, “Kada’s clean, simple facade blends seamlessly with our contemporary offerings.”
6 places to check out at kada
- Habyt Kada @ Maxwell (Level 3)
Residents at this 18-room co-living space enjoy perks like access to Limitless Performance Gym and an art appreciation session at Closed on Sundays by Lil’ Palette. The rooms are available for a week to a year and include a kitchenette and a lounge.
2. Shiruki Studio (#02-01)
Boost your post-workout muscle recovery with ice baths, infrared sauna, and hydrotherapy. Former squash player Zee started Shiruki in 2019 to share pain management treatments for his herniated disc and torn meniscus.
3. Pacto by Parchmen (#01-10)
This hole-in-the-wall speciality coffee and tea house by Parchmen & Co offers thoughtfully curated blends. Highlights include Finca Campo Hermoso (notes of honey, lychee, and rose) and Morning Glory (mango and chocolate).
4. Lavi Tapas Bar (#01-09)
A rich fusion of old-school Mexican flavours with a contemporary twist using bold and unexpected ingredients awaits you. Signatures include Tomato Stracciatella with guacamole and salsa verde and Birria Tacos, a fan-favourite from its sister restaurant Lavi Tapas at Pearl’s Hill.
5. Proud Potato Peeler (#04-02/3)
This rooftop private diner serves Mediterranean marvels in generous portions. It is helmed by Turkish-Greek Head Chef Alberto Simillides, who owns Alani bakery and Proud Perfect Potions, a bar and beverage counter launching in the coming months.
6. Shou & Daikoku (#01-02/03)
Shou serves beautifully crafted dim sum during the day. In the evenings, the restaurant changes into Daikoku, an izakaya featuring Sendai-themed yakitori by Kumagai Yoshihiro, who makes a moreish Hotate Mentai Mini Don.
