The 246-year-old Humayun Mahal, which is part of the cluster of heritage structures in Chepauk Palace, will soon be restored.
The building, located close to Kalas Mahal, suffered damages when its roof collapsed in September last year. Classified as a Grade-I heritage structure built in the Indo-Saracenic style, a portion of it crumbled due to ageing and weakening of wooden beams, according to the public works department (PWD).
The clusters of buildings are inside the PWD complex that also houses other government offices.
A government order was issued recently to rope in a conservation architect to plan and renovate the building. The department will soon call for expression of interest to engage the services of an architect in line with the procedures adopted for revamping Kalas Mahal.
A committee comprising A.R. Santhakumar, former dean, Anna University, C. Palanivelu, chief urban planner, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, and senior officials of PWD had earlier inspected the building and submitted recommendations to the government.
The committee had recommended that materials, such as lime mortar, timber and bricks, from the heritage structure be used after tests or suitable alternative materials be used to maintain the building’s architectural features.
Officials said while the exterior portion of the building, its wooden doors and windows were in good condition, the inner walls may need to be dismantled and reconstructed.
As the wooden beams were decaying, they would be replaced with steel beams. The department was keen on completing the restoration work this year, officials said.
