Our two pictures are around 14 years apart. The Old, taken in 2012 shows a fairly well-maintained building. That was when it was being let out for film shoots, which probably accounted for its good condition. Cut to 2026, when the building seems to have become derelict. Tall barricades have come up all around it, and there seems to be plenty of construction activity within the compound. Does this bode well for the building?
For the records, this is The Lodge, the residence of the Principal of the College of Engineering when that institution was at Chepauk Palace. The house is within the same compound as Victoria Hostel. Madras Musings readers will be interested to know — that is where Lt Col HD Love, author of Vestiges of Old Madras lived.
