Hanoi sets new date for iconic Ham Ca Map demolition
The demolition of Hanoi’s iconic Ham Ca Map (Shark Jaw) building, a commercial building located at 1-3-5 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, will be delayed by four months.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi has confirmed that it will delay the demolition of the iconic Ham Ca Map (Shark Jaw) building from May to August.
The demolition is expected to allow for an expansion of the public space around Hoan Kiem Lake.
The building has become a popular photo destination for locals and tourists, who want to capture memories of it before its demolition. Photos: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times
On May 16, the People’s Committee of Hoan Kiem District released its detailed plan to expand Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square in two phases with the first phase lasting from May to August will entail dismantling the Shark Jaw building and making aesthetic upgrades to the adjacent Hapro Building (7-9 Dinh Tien Hoang Street), the Thuy Ta Restaurant, and various awnings, signage, and facades along segments of Dinh Tien Hoang, Cau Go, and the beginning of Hang Dao Street.
During the second phase, the district will develop underground infrastructure beneath the square and upgrade the first-row buildings surrounding the lake. The technical infrastructure will be overhauled to better match the area’s status as a special national relic site. Moreover, urban furnishings will be added to support new public functions around Hoan Kiem Lake.
In early March, Duong Duc Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, approved the plan to demolish the Shark Jaw building.
The six-story structure, built between 1991 and 1993, occupies a prime location, fronting Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, flanked by Hoan Kiem Lake to the left and Cau Go Street to the right, with its rear adjoining small restaurants and cafes operated by local households.
Run by the Hanoi Transport Corporation, the building houses cafés and restaurants on the second through fifth floors. The sixth floor offers panoramic lake views.
However, the building has long been criticized by urban planners and architects. The revitalization of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square is part of the city’s initiative to expand and improve public spaces around Hoan Kiem Lake.
The eastern section of the lake, covering over two hectares and including 17 government and organizational offices and 42 households, is also under review for upgrades.
The planning scope stretches along Dinh Tien Hoang Street, from Tran Nguyen Han to the Department of Culture and Sports on Hang Dau Street.
Initially, Hanoi aimed to finish demolishing the building by April 30 and complete phase one of the renovation in time for National Day on September 2. However, the demolition timeline has only recently been confirmed, enabling Hoan Kiem District to move forward.
Spanning 12 hectares, Hoan Kiem Lake is surrounded by Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Khay, and Le Thai To streets. It sits at the heart of Hanoi’s historic center, surrounded by government buildings, businesses, landmarks, and national relics. Notable sites include the Ngoc Son and Ba Kieu temples, both of which are recognized as special national heritage sights.
