Housewarming with Purpose: 21 Carpenter's Grand Opening Party Aims to Give Back

Embarking on a fusion of heritage and modernity, 21 Carpenter, the iconic heritage hotel nestled between Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, hosted its Grand Opening Party: A Social Edition on Thursday, 18 April 2024. This inaugural edition emphasised social interaction, fostering connections, and collaborative community building, marking the first of numerous gatherings to follow.

Over 600 distinguished guests, including community members of official media partner a+, forged genuine connections with like-minded individuals while experiencing multiple levels of creative expressions of art, music, and epicurean delights in the vibrant social spaces provided throughout the night. Guests were also invited to give back to the community through a special partnership with the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) and its national giving platform giving.sg. This partnership, the first for 21 Carpenter in Singapore, aligns with the hotel’s mission of creating thoughtful experiences and positively impacting the world around them.

A spectrum of special moments

The launch party positioned 21 Carpenter as the vibrant heart of the neighbourhood, illuminating the surrounding area as guests flowed in and out, with music weaving through the space. One of Asia's internationally prominent DJs, DJ Aldrin — who also curated the official playlist for 21 Carpenter — set the vibe for the evening with his genre-bending tunes that pulsated throughout the building.

Guests seamlessly transitioned into Kee’s, the hotel’s Neo-Bistro & Bar, which offers modern European fare alongside a thoughtfully curated array of Pan-Asian dishes. There, they were treated to a refined menu of canapés such as Manchego Cheese Croquettes and Caviar & Shrimp Cocktail, curated by the Michelin-starred Chef and Culinary Director of Kee’s, Andrew Walsh.

The Garden Terrace on Level 3 was transformed into an intimate botanical bar dedicated to Kee’s custom 1936 Gin. This bespoke spirit was meticulously crafted to incorporate distinctive botanicals like green peppercorns that thrive in the terrace’s curated garden, echoing the essence of Carpenter Street's bustling spice trade from the bygone era. Guests were invited to savour the aromatics of the gin while indulging in specially crafted tipples, all while marvelling at the hotel’s architectural feat, where the urban extension was seamlessly stacked atop the heritage shophouses.

Additionally, amidst the intimate setting of the Garden Terrace, guests were transported back in time with a vintage ice cream cart, serving a taste of nostalgia. Live typewritten poetry by The Novel Encounter was also offered, harking back to the building’s past, where classically trained poets penned remittance letters for illiterate migrant workers. Excerpts from these letters are reflected in the hotel’s facade, which grants guests an immersive and memorable experience deeply rooted in the history of 21 Carpenter.

The fete culminated on the Level 9 Rooftop Infinity Pool & Lounge, where guests immersed themselves in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Singapore skyline and Marina Bay while enjoying Telmont Champagne. Against this stunning backdrop was a 360-degree photo booth for guests to remember the night of revelry, with the essence of Singapore's vibrant urban landscape in the distance.

Making a difference together

Recognising the importance of sustainability and community, 21 Carpenter took a proactive approach to minimise waste by reimagining their partnerships. Instead of traditional floral arrangements from partners, which often result in wastage, 21 Carpenter partnered with NVPC to create a sense of community and giving back. Through this purpose-driven initiative, 21 Carpenter aims to raise S$88,000 through donations on giving.sg for migrant worker NGO HealthServe, an Institution of Public Character (IPC) registered charity dedicated to serving disadvantaged migrant workers in Singapore through the provision of holistic and affordable healthcare, echoing the hotel’s historical significance and intertwining its past with present-day philanthropy.

"This meaningful initiative actively bolsters HealthServe’s mission of bringing healing and hope to low-wage migrant workers in need,” said Dr Benjamin Kuan, CEO of HealthServe. “We are deeply honoured to be part of this collaborative endeavour and grateful for 21 Carpenter’s trust and support, which enables us to continue our vital work in Singapore, uplifting migrant workers and building community."

8M Real Estate, owner of 21 Carpenter, also supported this meaningful occasion. In commemorating their 10th anniversary, 8M offered generous financial contributions to 21 Carpenter and donated two prints to bolster their unwavering commitment to local arts and community initiatives. Among these prints was an artwork titled “Amoy Alley” by artist Tay Zhiyong, marking 8M’s inaugural acquisition and symbolising a decade of growth, collaboration and community engagement.

"We were delighted when 21 Carpenter came to us with a clear and innovative idea to design their launch around supporting the local community and promoting sustainable practices," remarked Tony Lai, Chief Operating Officer, NVPC. "This initiative highlighted the power of collective action among different stakeholders and demonstrated how companies can significantly drive positive change within the community as part of their business strategy and activities. 21 Carpenter sets an exemplary precedent for other companies to be inspired by, and we look forward to seeing such efforts multiply in strength and numbers."

“This event marked a pivotal moment for 21 Carpenter as we opened our doors not only to guests but also to our neighbours, creating a space where meals were shared, conversations flourished, and the atmosphere exuded warmth and camaraderie.” shared General Manager Tarun Kalra. "We are more than just a hotel; we are a gateway to Singapore's vibrant stories. Committed to enriching our community, we've infused every corner of our social spaces with meaning and purpose. Partnering with NVPC, giving.sg and HealthServe to support their tireless efforts in serving today's migrant community was deeply meaningful and pays tribute to the labourers who built Singapore and once graced these halls, honouring our heritage as a remittance house.”

Since opening on 6 December 2023, 21 Carpenter has been a beacon of heritage and modern luxury in Singapore. The former remittance house, recognised as the birthplace of banking in Singapore, underwent a contemporary makeover by renowned architectural firm WOHA, resulting in a seamless fusion of old-world charm and elegance.

For those inspired to contribute to the community initiatives, guests are invited to donate at https://www.giving.sg/donate/campaign/21-carpenter-for-healthserve. They can also stay tuned on 21 Carpenter's communication channels for more activations and opportunities to make a difference.

For more information, please visit https://www.21carpenter.com.sg/.