The Best 50 Buildings in KL - The Full List.

I've been doing a little compilation of what I think are the Best 50 Buildings in Kuala Lumpur - and in fact, I had split them all into 5 parts. Now that all 5 parts are out already - I'm gonna roll them all out in one post once and for all. Thank you.

Here are the listings from A1 - A0; as labelled on the map.

A1 - The Petronas Twin Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers (Malay: Menara Berkembar Petronas) (also known as the Petronas Towers or just Twin Towers, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia were the world's tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004, when their height was surpassed by Taipei 101. The towers remain the tallest twin buildings in the world. Designed by Argentine architects César Pelli and Djay Cerico under the consultancy of Julius Gold, the Petronas Towers were completed in 1998. Tower 1 was built by a Japanese consortium led by the Hazama Corporation while Tower 2 was built by Samsung C&T and Kukdong Engineering & Construction, both South Korean contractors.

A2 - The Four Seasons Place, KLCC

It is located exactly next to Suria KLCC and the Twin Towers, along Jalan Ampang. Consisting of the super luxurious Four Seasons hotel + residences, this 65 storey tower is being developed by a group consisting of our Sultan of Selangor, Tan Sri Syed Yusof as well as prominent tycoon Ong Beng Seng. Upon completion, I believe this will be the tallest Four Seasons property in the world.

A3 - Menara Citibank, Jalan Ampang

Menara Citibank is a freehold commercial office tower located along Jalan Ampang. It is wholly owned by Inverfin. It is situated right next to Nikko Hotel and apposite Plaza OSK. This 50-storey tower is designed by renowned architect Hijjas Kasturi Associates. It is built on a parcel of freehold land, measuring 12,694 sq m, and has a net lettable area of 68,156 sq m. It is amongst the top 20 tallest buildings in the country.

A4 - Chua Tower, Jalan Binjai

This 35 storey commercial office development used to be the site of Dr Chua Boon Teck's clinic. The Chua family is a very low profiled family - they founded the Cycle & Carriage Group back in the early days and they still own several other landmarks in Kuala Lumpur - namely the Coliseum Cafe. They sold the Bok House in 2008 though. The Chua Tower - when completed, will be a GBI and BCA Green Mark certified building.

A5 - Proposed 62 storey Office Tower

Not much information available on this development - but it is next to the Chua Tower.

A6 - The Oval, Lorong Kuda

Now completed - the Oval stands proud facing the KLCC Park along Jalan Kudalari. Guocoland was the en-bloc purchaser of the entire development. The twin 41 storeys comprises super luxury large units (3,500 sf upwards) of residential condominiums. It ranks at no.46 in the list of KL's tallest buildings.

A7 - The Avare

The Avare is a super luxurious condominium offering 6-star living style in the heart of Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). It is a joint-venture project between TM Facilities a Telekom Malaysia’s wholly owned subsidiary) with Magna Prima. Elegantly designed with only two units per floor forming a butterfly shape, The Avare is also the first condominium in Malaysia having glass curtain walls with stainless sunshades and trims. These features allow its residents to enjoy a 180° of panoramic city view from each of its unit, and even 360° view of the iconic KLCC, the Royal Selangor Golf Club, and the city skyline if they buy two units on the same floor.

A8 - Menara FELDA, Platinum Park

This 50-storey Menara FELDA was sold to FELDA for RM 640 million back in 2008 by the NAZA TTDI Group. The proposed tower is the tallest of the seven iconic towers in Naza TTDI's Platinum Park, a world class high-end integrated residential and commercial development in the KLCC vicinity.

A9 - NAZA Tower, Platinum Park

The other super tall 50 storey commercial development in Platinum Park, the Menara NAZA or NAZA Tower is part of this RM 3.5 billion mixed development by Naza TTDI.

A0 - Suria Stonor, Persiaran Stonor

Developed by Glomac Bhd and designed by RSP Architects - Suria Stonor is an exclusive condominium development that successfully combines the space and ambience of a bungalow with all the conveniences of modern living. Each of its 138 freehold residences, comprising penthouses, duplexes and apartments, offers a built-up that ranges from 3,000 sq. ft to over 8,000 sq. ft.

B1 - Ampersand

Located along Jalan Kia Peng - the Ampersand was developed by IJM Properties and it is a very low density low rise development, comprising only 71 units over 2+ acres. Ampersand is positioned strategically between walking distance to Royal Selangor Golf Club and KLCC. It is surrounded with numerous amenities within short driving distance.

B2 - Twelve Kia Peng

A 30 storey block comprising 54 units only - developed by Twelve Kia Peng Sdn Bhd - a member of the Cathay Organization group. Units sizes range from 2,500 sf upwards - and viewing are by invitation only. I heard they had sold all the units already in Singapore.

B3 - One KLCC

One KL, which carries the tagline of “94 Apartments, 95 Swimming Pools” is uniquely designed in such a way that each condo unit has its own private swimming pool and lift operated by fingerprint access. This luxury condominium is designed by award-winning architects and world class engineers. Besides, it is famously known as sports car friendly, so you can drive your Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini around easily.

B4 - Menara Wakaf, Jalan Perak

This office tower is 34 storeys tall - and is strategically located along Jalan Perak, next to Menara Perak. Designed by RSP Architects and developed by Lembaga Tabung Haji, this building when completed will house the Bank Islam headquarters. Other tenants will include Tabung Haji themselves as well as Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan.

B5 - Glomac Tower, Jalan P Ramlee

The construction of this 40 storey office tower, which has an estimated gross development value of RM 450 million was sold en bloc for RM577 million. It is located on the ex-Rum Jungle site. It has an undisturbed view of KLCC. But I reckon - the view although good, but may not be so good cos its TOO CLOSE to KLCC.

B6 - TA3 Towers

Not much information available for this project - but I heard they may have appointed the consultants already. In store is a 60 storey development on this prime land. The location? Directly opposite LV KLCC.

B7 - Bok House land

Sources say Dijaya have bought the land. Apparently they are planning a 55 storey development as well. We shall see.

B8 - Sunway KL Towers

Sunway City acquired the RM170 million Wisma Denmark development, a Grade A office tower development along Jalan Ampang in the KL Golden Triangle. The investment consisted of the acquisition of a 27-storey office tower and an adjacent 1-acre of vacant commercial land. The existing tower used to be called Wisma Denmark.

B9 - CapSquare

With 15.2 acres of prime freehold land and 3.8 million square feet of space, CapSquare redefines modern urban living, housing an eclectic mix of signature offices, Manhattan-inspired residences, a shopping centre and a vibrant 300-metre retail boulevard. It houses the super tall Menara Multi Purpose.

B0 - KL Tower

The Kuala Lumpur Tower, referred later as KL Tower is a tall tower located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Its construction was finished in 1994. It is used for communication purposes and features an antenna that reaches 421 m (1,381 ft), which currently makes it the eighteenth tallest freestanding tower in the world.

C1 - St Mary Residences

Developed by E&O and Lion Group (joint venture) - the project was on the old site of St Mary. Prices of its condominium were going from RM 1,000 psf upwards - and the take up rate was impressive. Construction works are currently underway and it is expected to be completed by end 2012.

C2 - Menara Hap Seng

Previously called Mui Plaza, the Hap Seng Group purchased the office block en-bloc - and then spent close to RM50mil on refurbishment works before renaming it Menara Hap Seng. Today, Menara Hap Seng has an upmarket retail and F&B podium catering to the community around the area.

C3 - Public Mutual Tower

When a particular site along Jalan Raja Chulan got hoarded up - there were plenty of speculations of what the development will be and so on. It turns out the land will be developed into Menara Public Mutual - a 35 storey Grade A office development. Not much information on this project.

C4 - Menara Worldwide, Jalan Bukit Bintang

The Project was stalled a couple of times already since the mid 90s - now it is scheduled to complete by the end of the year 2010. The 26 storey office tower sits right next to the LTAT building along Jalan Bukit Bintang.

C5 - YTL Tower

All we know is that the building will be designed by Fosters & Partners. Thats about all. Oh, and it should be a cool 62 storeys.

C6 - Pavilion KL

Two twin 50 storey residential development sitting on top of a large retail shopping mall. Today, the shopping mall houses some of the top brands in the world - including Hermes, Prada, Gucci and so on.

C7 - Berjaya Times Square

Dubbed the new 'Sg Wang' or the new 'Low Yat' - the Times Square was developed by Vincent Tan's Berjaya Group. I think this building needs no further introduction =)

C8 - Menara Standard Chartered

At one time, it was like the star of KL. Its staggered - elevator like design (step by step) is pretty impressive, especially from far. I love the location of this building really - its truly smack right in the heart of KL! =)

C9 - Menara Maybank

For those who do not know where is Menara Maybank - perhaps - dont bother staying in KL ok. This 50 storey tower was designed by Hijjas Kasturi back in the late 1980s, and it was proudly Malaysia's tallest towers until the emergence of KLCC.

C0 - Plaza Rakyat

Another project thats plagued by the various economic downturns. Lets hope someone can come out with a good solution this time around...

D1 - The Meritz, KLCC

This 110 unit luxury condominium is 31 storeys tall - and was developed by the well-renowned Singaporean developer, Wing Tai Asia and designed by Guida Moseley Brown Architects from Australia. When the development was first launched in 2004/05, the prices were sold at RM 650 psf. Today, prices have appreciated to the RM 1,300 - RM 1,500 psf range.

D2 - Avenue K

Developed by the Yap family (Mycom and Olympia) - Avenue K has two major components - the Regent Residences in the 50 storey tower - and the retail mall, strategically above the KLCC LRT station.

D3 - Hampshire Residences

Hampshire Residence is situated along Persiaran Hampshire a quiet area in KLCC yet still close to the Petronas Twin Tower. Comprises of 2 blocks of 388 units in total, this modern architectural building was jointly developed by Capital Land Ltd of Singapore, the largest developer in South East Asia (SEA) together with Zelan.

D4 - Hampshire Apartment.

I apologize that I couldnt find any pictures at this current moment - I guess I'll head down to KL and take some soon. At one time - the Hampshire was perhaps Kuala Lumpur's most expensive condominium. When other property prices were still going at RM500-600 psf, the Hampshire was fetching a good RM800psf upwards from the secondary markets.

D5 - Plaza OSK

Formerly known as Menara MBF, OSK took over the building after the 1997 economic crisis. Its undergoing some refurbishments and there will be another tower on top of the podium block.

D6 - Intermark

Intermark previously consisted of the Crown Princess Hotel, Empire Tower as well as City Square shopping mall. Today - the Intermark Group has acquired it and are now in the midst of a massive revamp, including a whole new office tower. Crown Princess has undergone a refurbishment and is now managed by DoubleTree - a boutique concept hotel by Hilton.

D7 - Setia Sky Residences

Setia Sky Residences represents S P Setia's foray into the super luxury high-rise property market - and also its first in the KLCC region. The whole development consists of 4 towering 40 storey blocks - with a SkyBridge called the Sky Club connecting the towers at the 33rd floor.

D8 - Menara Marinara

Another building that was affected by the 1997 economic crisis. There were plenty of controversies involving the building - and subsequently the now defunct Danaharta - today known as Prokhas - took over as the liquidators - currently they are spending about RM 40 million for some massive refurbishment and upgrading works on the building.

D9 - Menara ExxonMobil, Jalan Kia Peng

The Menara Exxon Mobil is a building located in the vicinity of KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The building currently is the headquarters of Exxon Mobil Malaysia. A rectangular shaped building, the Menara ExxonMobil has a virtually column free interior. For aesthetics, the north and south elevations are set-back at level 5, while the north elevation facing the public park is further set-back at levels 22 and 26.

D0 - Bandar Wawasan

Once again - yet another development that was stalled during the 1997 economic crisis. If and when completed - the Bandar Wawasan would have been amongst the main commercial hubs in the city. Recently, Quill bought over the abandoned project from its liquidators.

E1 - Solaris Towers

One of the most prominent and old-time developers in the country, Sunrise Berhad plans to develop this small tract of land, just next to Renaissance and Crest Sultan Ismail into what they call ... the Solaris Towers KL. Final piece of the Solaris jigsaw puzzle...

E2 - Lai Meng school

Magna Prima Berhad plans to redevelop this site into a RM1.3billion mixed development. Too much hoo-haa has been heard of this project - perhaps, this project will only go through in many years to come. They will also need to relocate the school first - most likely to Bukit Jalil.

E3 - Menara Public Bank

Menara Public Bank is located at 146, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur. It is the home of Public Bank - the third largest banking group in Malaysia with approximately US$ 41.76 billion in total assets in Malaysia with the lowest non-performing loan ratios. Presently, Public Bank has 243 local branches and 3 overseas branches namely, Hong Kong Branch, Colombo Branch, Sri Lanka and Vientian Branch, Lao PDR

E4 - Bangunan AMBank

Bangunan AmBank Group is located along Jalan Raja Chulan, a main business district within the heart of Kuala Lumpur Golden Triangle. It is a 26-storey office building comprising a 21-storey office tower block, 1 level of amenities including a cafeteria, a gymnasium and a multi-purpose hall with 4 levels of aboveground car park and 3 levels of basement car park.

E5 - Duta Hyatt Hotel

Earlier plans to open a Grand Hyatt Duta came to an end as the project was never completed. The Hyatt Group in 1994 gave the contract to develop the RM570 million Grand Hyatt Duta to Kuala Lumpur Landmark Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Olympia Industries Bhd. Mycom Bhd, the holding company of Olympia, then teamed up with Kuala Lumpur Landmark to develop a 52-storey building to house its headquarters and the hotel. However, construction was halted in July 1998, when the group encountered financial difficulties during the 1997/1998 economic downturn. The Grand Hyatt Duta was to have been completed in 1997. Until today, the hotel at the corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang remains partly completed. The Hyatt Group is no longer associated with the project.

E6 - Grand Hyatt Hotel

Not to be confused with the abandoned Duta Hyatt Hotel along Jalan Ampang, this 42 storey development is developed by the Bahagia Investment Authority of Brunei, comprising a 17 storey hotel, a luxury 4 storey serviced apartment as well as a 13 storey commercial office space. The hotel is designed by world-renowned Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WATG) architects.

E7 - Troika

Located at the north-eastern corner of the KLCC Park, within the precincts of Kuala Lumpur City Centre – Kuala Lumpur’s ‘city within a city’ – the Troika development combines apartments, offices, shops and restaurants within a single complex, with the aim of promoting a more sustainable, densely planned approach to living and working in the twenty-first century city.

E8 - The Binjai

These towering 44 storey residential twin towers are amongst one of the most modern residential towers, apart from Troika of course to be completed within the KLCC Park vicinity.

E9 - G Tower

Strategically located within the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) next to Ampang Park LRT station and against a backdrop of the iconic Twin Towers, GTower is the city’s striking landmark. Offering premium Grade A++ commercial space, G Tower is Malaysia’s first Green building (BCA Gold Green Mark).

E0 - Menara DNP

To be developed by prestigious developer Wing Tai Asia - these tower will be 50 storeys tall and has a premium view of KLCC - by virtue of being directly opposite it.

There you go - what I see as the Best 50 Buildings in Kuala Lumpur. Thank you for your time. I'm proud to say - out of these 50 buildings, we were somewhat involved in 21 of these projects (including tendering) and won 5 of the tenders. Not too bad I guess.