Lawang Sewu is a relic of an ancient building which was built in 1904. It was for Nederlandsch Indishe Spoorweg Naatschappij (NIS). This building has three floor with art deco style (1850-1940) and it architected by Prof. Jacob F Klinkhamer and BJ Queendag from Dutch. Lawang Sewu located on the east side Tugu Muda Semarang, or on a street corner Pandanaran and Pemuda street. Called Lawang Sewu (Thousand Doors), this is because the building has much door. (Source)
By 2009 the Lawang Sewu complex was in a state of considerable dilapidation. Simon Marcus Gower, writing in The Jakarta Post, noted it as being "dark and evidently sick. Its white walls are faded throughout; blackened by pollution and neglect. Rendered walls are cracked and any wall paper has long since fallen away to reveal the red bricks beneath. Mould and weeds grow over much of the building and mice and rats are the chief residents."
The building soon underwent renovations to ensure that it would be profitable as a tourist attraction. Governor of Central Java Bibit Waluyo mobilized several dozen soldiers to assist with the renovations; the soldiers focused on external repairs. Local residents were disappointed in the renovations, opining that it had lost its authenticity.
On 5 July 2011 the newly renovated complex was inaugurated by First Lady Ani Yudhoyono. However, at the time only B building was available for tours. It is hoped to be a main attraction in the Central Javan government's tourism program in 2013.
Future plans include transforming Building B into office space, a food court, and even a gym. In late 2013 the Semarang city government announced plans to eliminate the building's "spooky image" in order to attract more visitors. This was to encompass a reimagining of the site as a place for social and cultural activities, supported by renovations of the building. At the time, Lawang Sewu attracted an average of 1,000 visitors daily. (Source)
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