India's historic cities catch up on urban renewal trends
MUMBAI -- The 20th-century neoclassical Ismail Building, which once housed offices and banks near the Flora Fountain in India's financial capital of Mumbai, is now the splendidly renovated premises of Spanish fast-fashion brand Zara.
The restoration process took over two years. The elegant balcony grilles, cast-iron pillars and picture windows make it a pleasure to shop in the building, one of numerous historic structures, old bungalows and warehouses that are being renovated for new uses in India.