Thuan Kieu Plaza (The Garden Mall): A Vibrant Landmark in the Heart of District 5
Thuan Kieu Plaza (now The Garden Mall) is not only a high-rise complex but also a part of Ho Chi Minh City’s real estate history. Located in a strategic position, this project has undergone a remarkable transformation, serving diverse needs including residential living, commerce, entertainment, and sports. The project was initially developed by Saigon 5 Construction & Trading One Member Limited Company, located at 190 Hong Bang Street, Ward 14, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
Project Overview Information
Thuan Kieu Plaza (The Garden Mall) is a mixed-use complex built on a land area of 9,971 m². The total construction floor area is 100,000 m². The complex is divided into functional zones serving multiple purposes:
- Residential area: 60,000 m²
- Commercial area: 20,000 m²
- Parking area: 10,000 m²
- Sports and entertainment club: 10,000 m²
The project consists of three residential towers labeled A, B, and C, each 33 stories high. The total number of apartments was originally 648 units, designed in five different layouts to meet diverse residential needs:
- Two-bedroom apartment: 80 m²
- Three-bedroom apartment: 100 m²
- Expanded apartment: 180 m²
- Duplex type I: 154 m²
- Duplex type II: 195 m²
The electrical systems and interior finishing materials were originally imported, reflecting the high-end standards of the project when it was completed in 1998. Later, the project was transferred and underwent a major renovation in 2018, marking the transformation into The Garden Mall.
Prime Location in Central District 5
Thuan Kieu Plaza is located at 190 Hong Bang Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, with coordinates 10.75439262 latitude and 106.6557846 longitude. District 5 is a central urban area, well known for its dense population and vibrant commercial activities.
The project is situated at the intersection of four major roads: Hong Bang, Thuan Kieu, Tan Hung, and Duong Tu Giang. In particular, Do Ngoc Thanh Street runs through the complex, ensuring excellent traffic connectivity.
From Thuan Kieu Plaza, residents can quickly access major amenities and services in the city center:
- Approximately 1.8 km to An Dong Market
- Only 700 m to Kim Bien Market
- 500 m to Cho Ray Hospital
- About 850 m to Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital and nearby schools
Diverse Amenities at The Garden Mall
One of the key highlights after renovation is the podium conversion into The Garden Mall with a total area of 25,000 m². This area has become a vibrant shopping and entertainment destination, providing essential amenities for residents and surrounding communities.
On the ground floor of The Garden Mall, many well-known food and beverage brands are present, including McDonald’s, Trung Nguyen, Chang Kang Kung, Baoz Dimsum, and Gong Cha. The commercial area also offers a wide range of services and facilities:
- Restaurants and dining outlets
- Large supermarket
- Office leasing spaces
- Cosmetics and fashion accessory stores
- Home appliances and furniture stores
- Modern gym with over 2,000 m² area
In addition, the project ensures core facilities for residential living and commercial operations:
- Spacious parking area
- 24/7 security system
- Emergency exits and standard fire protection system
- Community activity room
- Convenience store
- High-speed elevators
- The Garden Mall commercial center
Design: Major Transformation After Renovation
The original design of Thuan Kieu Plaza was completed in 1998, reflecting architectural styles similar to Hong Kong apartments of that era. However, it had several limitations not suitable for modern Vietnamese living standards, such as low ceilings, cramped spaces, large columns, and compartmentalized kiosks that made the commercial area feel enclosed.
After being transferred to a new investor, a comprehensive renovation was carried out in 2018. The goal was to overcome the old limitations and create a more open, modern space, especially in the commercial area. The new investor restructured the layout and used brighter colors, transforming Thuan Kieu Plaza into The Garden Mall with an open and airy environment.
For the residential towers, due to outdated design, the apartments are expected to be converted into resettlement and social housing units after redesigning to optimize living space, improve ceiling height, and better suit modern living needs.
Investor and Development Process
The original developer of Thuan Kieu Plaza was Saigon 5 Construction & Trading One Member Limited Company. The project was completed and initially put into operation in 1998. However, after years of inefficient operation, it was transferred to a new owner. The transfer and major renovation in 2018 brought a completely new appearance, especially with The Garden Mall commercial center, maximizing the strategic location of the project.
Conclusion
Thuan Kieu Plaza, now The Garden Mall, is a testament to the revival of strategically located real estate projects in Ho Chi Minh City. With its large scale and multifunctional design—from residential apartments to a commercial center—the project not only provides living space but also creates a bustling destination for shopping, entertainment, and lifestyle activities in District 5. The transformation from an aging complex into a modern commercial hub affirms the long-term value and potential of real estate at 190 Hong Bang Street.
