Thursday, June 5, 2008

Hot property

Tarapore Towers, where Mount Road forks off towards Chindadiripet, is a building that has a reasonably fascinating history. But even then, it really couldn't compete for public interest, all of which was usually centered on the LIC building, hardly a kilometre away to the south, on Mount Road itself. That was how it was, until the building hosted this large sign on its terrace.

If I remember right, this was the first public LED display that came up in Chennai, over 25 years ago. And even if I remember wrong, this is certainly the one that has survived for the longest time! It normally shows the time and the temperature, sandwiched by advertisements - most of which are for MRF, a Chennai-based tyre manufacturer.

Thanks to the sign, the Tarapore Towers has claimed its rightful place as a Chennai landmark; and yes, the city is that hot at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon!

3 comments:

Chuck Pefley said...

93° Fahrenheit is much too warm for my comfort. This thermometer reminds me of the one in Barstow, California which if memory serves has the honor of being the tallest thermometer in the USA.

I'll look forward to seeing your Ace Hardware photo when you get around to sending it. Thanks :)

Anush said...

when was this taken? durin the chennai winter eh? [:P]

Shantaram said...

>> Chuck>> Passed by the store a couple of times, so I've both day as well as night shots! Will put them up later today and let you know.

>> CB>> After the 41C of Dubai, yes, this does feel like winter!