Historic Buenos Aires Palace Facade Saved From Demolition

The iconic Palacio Lawson on Avenida Alvear in Buenos Aires will retain its historic facade, a significant win for heritage preservationists. The building, initially slated for complete demolition, will now be revalued under a new development project.

An agreement between the City Government, residents, and the real estate developer ensures the preservation of the building's emblematic front. Architect Carlos Ott, known for blending avant-garde design with heritage protection, has been commissioned to lead the project. His design will fuse the existing facade with a contemporary architectural piece, creating a new landmark.

This initiative, driven by the City's Secretariat of Urban Development, aimed to see the private development as an opportunity to preserve architectural identity. It involved various government bodies, the developer Pride Developers, residents, and organizations like Buenos Aires Fashion & Arts (BAFA). The resulting project prioritizes conservation and enhancement.

"From the first moment, we understood that this project represented an opportunity to demonstrate that urban development and heritage preservation are not opposing objectives," stated Agustina Olivero, Secretary of Urban Development. "The conservation of this facade allows us to maintain the urban continuity of the block and the historic character of the surroundings. We believe this is an example of how dialogue between the public and private sectors can lead to positive outcomes."

“

From the first moment, we understood that this project represented an opportunity to demonstrate that urban development and heritage preservation are not opposing objectives. The conservation of this facade allows us to maintain the urban continuity of the block and the historic character of the surroundings. We believe this is an example of how dialogue between the public and private sectors can lead to positive outcomes.