Valma Studios, formerly Van Staveren Buildings, was built in 1937 for Van Staveren Bros., merchants and importers of (among other items) sporting goods, tobacco, hair products, clocks, and watches. The building was designed by Swan and Lavelle.

Barend Van Staveren founded the firm with two of his brothers, Isaac and Herman, in 1905. Barend was managing director for a remarkable 58 years. The firm closed in the 1980s. 

Now the building has been renovated to simple but comfortable studio apartments. The building has some external Art Deco features, and the communal areas all still have strong Art Deco features of the period, as well as the original building lift.

This building oozes with character and charm of the past and was strengthened for earthquakes to ensure the accommodation is above the earthquake code requirements.