Located in the vicinity of the Old Ilaco House, just at the end of Parr Street, and near the

junction at
Clarke Street, lies the impressive Mohammed Ali Building, one of Elphinstone Street’s first
commercialized buildings.

Constructed by a local architect, this structure, not unlike the Suleman Umer Building housed arms and
ammunitions. Though it was originally constructed by Haji Dossul and sons as a department store, it was
eventually auctioned off to a tram service owner, Mohammed Ali, whom it was soon named after post-
partition.

Haji Dossul’s firm, which was founded in 1840, acted also as army contractors and auctioneers, and later
had the honor of appointment to His Excellency Sir Leslie Wilson, then Governor of Bombay.

The store stocked numerous supplies, including household utensils, electrical goods, leather articles and
several items of china and aluminum ware.