India, June 27 -- Talmakiwadi, one of Mumbai's oldest housing societies, is on the cusp of change. As the redevelopment wand touches the nearly century-old colony in Tardeo, the 291 families of Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmins (CSB) who live here look forward to new homes - but not without a backward glance at what they are about to leave behind.

Built in 1938 as affordable housing for the CSB community that made Bombay its home, this cluster of 11 low-rise Art Deco buildings carries a legacy that extends far beyond its ageing buildings. Playback singer Udit Narayan's practice sessions echoed through the neighbourhood, while cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar attended a nearby school and played cricket with local children. Noted actor Amol Palekar...