AsN Chandrasekaran steps down as Tata Sons chairman, the spotlight also falls on Bombay House, the iconic headquarters that has been at the centre of the Tata Group for more than a century.
Located on Homi Mody Street in Mumbai's Fort district, Bombay House has served as the Tata Group's headquarters since 1924. The building was acquired in 1920 by Sir Dorabji Tata, the group's second chairman, who purchased the plot from the Bombay Municipality and handed it over to The Associated Building Company.
Designed by the architect behind Gateway of India
Scottish architect George Wittet was tasked with designing Bombay House. Wittet was also behind some of Mumbai's best-known landmarks, including the Gateway of India and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya.
Construction was completed in July 1924, creating what would go on to become one of India's most prominent corporate addresses.
Interestingly, the building was not named Tata House. RD Tata, father of JRD Tata, chose the name Bombay House instead, reflecting the group's connection with the city where its journey began.
Nearly a century after its construction, Bombay House continues to retain much of its original exterior character.
The four-storey building is made of Malad stone and follows the Edwardian neo-classical architectural style. Its design features symmetry, restrained ornamentation, deep cornices, stone masonry and Georgian-style windows.
The interiors, however, have undergone extensive modernisation. French chandeliers, pendulum wall clocks and teakwood furniture give the building a distinctly colonial character while retaining an Indian warmth.
Where Tata Group's big decisions were shaped
For more than 100 years, Bombay House has been the setting for some of the Tata Group's most consequential decisions.
From here, Dorabji Tata expanded the group beyond its early businesses into insurance, soaps, detergents and cooking oil. The building also witnessed the conceptualisation of India's first airline in 1932 under JRD Tata.
Decades later, Bombay House became the command centre for Tata Steel's $13-billion acquisition of Corus in 2007, one of the biggest overseas acquisitions by an Indian company at the time.
Today, Tata Sons' chairman and senior leadership continue to operate from the building. Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Tata Chemicals, Tata Power, Tata Industries, Trent and TCS also have a presence there. Around 400 people work in the building.
Chandrasekaran oversaw Bombay House's transformation
For nearly 94 years, Bombay House remained largely untouched. That changed in 2017, whenChandrasekaraninitiated its first comprehensive restoration and refurbishment after taking over as Tata Sons chairman.
The project, led by architect Brinda Somaya, was completed in time for the building to reopen on July 29, 2018, JRD Tata's birth anniversary. The makeover cost around Rs 800 million.
The renovation was designed around three themes - Evolution, Reflection and Metamorphosis - while preserving the building's heritage character.
A new Bombay House without losing its history
The basement and ground floor showcase the Tata Group's origins and nation-building legacy, with the ground floor housing the Tata Experience Centre.
The first, second and third floors accommodate offices of Tata companies and feature open lounges, breakout zones, think-pods and collaborative workspaces.
The fourth floor represents "Metamorphosis" and houses the offices of Tata Sons directors, the chairman's office and the boardroom.
Heritage preserved, modern infrastructure added
The restoration team cleaned the Malad stone facade, repaired deteriorated lime mortar, upgraded windows with double glazing and installed modern security, surveillance and technology systems.
Historic features were preserved, including the iconic boardroom table, original wood panelling and windows. The terrace was also transformed into a landscaped area with greenery and outdoor seating.
The Tata headquarters where dogs have a special place
One of Bombay House's most unusual traditions involves stray dogs, which have been allowed to wander freely into the building for decades.
During the renovation, one of Ratan Tata's concerns was reportedly about what would happen to the dogs. He famously asked, "Where will dogs go?"
The renovation subsequently included a dedicated kennel on the ground floor, complete with sleeping areas, bathing facilities, toys and medical care.
The tradition continues, making the dogs among Bombay House's most distinctive visitors - and, as Tata employees often note, the only ones allowed inside without an access card.
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