Selegie House

Construction of the complex began in 1962, costing $3.8 million, and included 151,212 people, and used materials from local quarries.[1] The complex included three larger blocks, with the tallest being twenty stories high, which made it the tallest mix-used development in Singapore at the time of its opening.[2] The blocks were originally interlinked by four rows of two-storey blocks which were later demolished and replaced with link ways.[2] The tallest block included a glass enclosure at the twentieth floor for sightseeing.[3] The complex was scheduled to be opened on 1 June 1963.[4] However, the complex was opened by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on 31 May instead.[5] The complex was built next to the Selegie Integrated Primary School, which was the tallest school in Singapore at the time, and was originally situated in the Kandang Kerbau district.[5] The rents flats in the complex costed $120 per month at the time of its opening.[6] However, the complex did not include a car park.[7][8]

By the 1970s, the tallest block had gained a reputation as a "suicide block", as it was the site of many deaths by suicide, which was due to the building's height.[9][10] By the 1980s, many residents of the complex had begun moving out, as other complexes offered better amenities.[11] In May 1998, a majority of residents of the complex voted for upgrades and better amenities for the complex.[12][13] In 2003, the complex received a new gateway, drop-off porches, a playground, sheltered walkways and a pavilion.[14]

1.3032°N 103.8481°E / 1.3032; 103.8481