When the collective sale of Pearl Bank Apartments went through last month for $728 million on its fourth attempt, those residents opposed to it were not the only ones experiencing anguish. Many heritage enthusiasts lamented the loss of this significant piece of modernist architecture.

The distinctive, horseshoe-shaped condominium - once Singapore's tallest residential building - may join other notable residential buildings in terms of architecture that made a date with the wrecking ball: They include Hilltops (completed in 1965) by architect Victor Chew, Futura (1976) by architect Timothy Seow, and the Geylang Serai public housing estate (1965).