Foundation stone for the buildings around Elphinstone Circle was laid in 1864 by Sir Bartle Frere. The Bombay Gazetteer records, ‘Old Bombay Green was purchased by the Municipality and resold by them at a profit in building lots to English mercantile firms. This gradually transformed the dusty space into an imposing example of street architecture.’
Commemorative plaque at the Town Hall, dedicated to Colonel Thomas Cowper and Captain Charles Waddington of the Bombay Engineers. Work started in 1821, however, the original architect, Thomas Cowper died midway and Major John Hawkins came to be entrusted with the completion of the remaining building, which was finished in 1833.