View of the Watsons Esplanade Hotel

The Watson’s Hotel, earlier the 'Esplanade Hotel' is the oldest surviving cast-iron structure in India. Named after it's owner at the time John Watson, was an English businessman in Bombay. The original cast iron objects were designed by Rowland Mason Ordish, who constructed Cast iron parts in Britain and shipped to India. The construction on-site started in 1867 and was completed by 1869. Contrary to original plan of it being an office, in 1871, it was opened as the Watson's Hotel. In its prime the hotel saw many dignatries to the likes of Mark Twain and Rudyard Kipling. It is also the first place in India which was used as a setfor a movie. By 1920, the building ceased to be a Hotel and was renamed Esplanade Mansion. It became a residential area, which attracted many law offices due to its proximity with the High Court. Architects emphasize that it is an excellent example of a multi-storey building whose load is bourne almost entirely by Iron. The Iron framework used, is a precursor to the steel framework which made the skyscrapers of today a reality.