Through their long lifespan, heritage buildings act as record-keepers and become repositories of history, embodying the narratives of the people and events that have inhabited them over time. Each layer adds to their complexity, creating a tapestry of stories and mysteries waiting to be uncovered. These precious gems, often silent witnesses to the passage of time, struggle to survive the pressures of the growing urban demands and needs. When faced with such threats, a patient approach to understanding these rich layers aids in their protection. This is exemplified in the case of All Saints’ Church, a 155-year-old Anglican Church in the heart of Cantonment of Bangalore. The rich and diverse flora surrounding this building, which dates back as old as the church building, gave it the title ‘Garden Church of the Garden City’. When faced with threats to its stability and destruction to its sacred grove, to accommodate an underground metro tunnel, it called for an urgent assessment. The meticulous process of digging out archival photographs and texts, wedding photographs and paintings was followed by on-site measured drawings and visual assessments to map the present condition of the church. Non-destructive tests were carried out strategically to understand the geo-tectonics and structural systems. These helped to deduce the points to be monitored in the long-run, vulnerable due to the underground tunnelling. Constructing a narrative for a heritage building with multiple layers of history, evolving urban contexts, deep-seated sentiments and lost stories is a complex yet essential endeavour. The case of All Saints’ Church highlights how meticulous documentation, scientific analysis and community engagement play a crucial role in raising awareness about its significance and ultimately safeguarding such historical precincts. This paved a way for an eco-system where both heritage and urban development can harmoniously co-exist.