139-year-old building restored, converted into community hall

A 139-year-old historical building, Sushanthi Nilaya, at Mercara Hill in the city, has been restored and converted into a public community hall.

Originally constructed in the late 19th century under the Basel Mission, the building served as a school, a place of worship, and a clergy residence. After falling out of regular use in recent decades, the structure underwent a complete restoration this year. The restoration was sponsored by Jonas Petro Products Private Limited to preserve its heritage and revitalise it for community use, a release said.

The building was restored by the family of Sunil Jonas in memory of S. Eliya Jonas and V. Sulochani Jonas.

Dexter S. Maben, Head of C.S.I. David Memorial Church, Bengaluru, was present at the inauguration recently.

Mr. Maben said that Mr. Sunil contributed generously to the restoration without expecting anything in return.

He said that the original motto of the Basel Mission was to reach out to the community through community service. The mission introduced tile making, weaving, agriculture, and several other local industries.