The ruined restaurant in a prime Parque Rodó spot: Montevideo Intendancy aims to reclaim the Forte di Makalle

Once a celebrated landmark in Montevideo's Parque Rodó, the Forte di Makalle restaurant, inaugurated in 1896, now stands as a symbol of neglect. The building, situated in a prime location opposite a modern McDonald's, is in a state of severe disrepair. Inside, remnants of its past glory are obscured by debris, overgrown vegetation, and signs of recent occupation by homeless individuals. Broken tiles, rampant weeds, scattered trash, and the stench of waste paint a grim picture of the once-vibrant establishment.

The site's decline is attributed to a failed concession agreement. A company awarded a bid in 2014 to manage and revitalize the property neglected its obligations, resulting in the Intendancy of Montevideo revoking its permit in 2020. Despite subsequent interest from potential investors, the municipality delayed action, citing the need for a new bidding process. This bureaucratic standstill has left the historic building to deteriorate for half a decade.

Historical records reveal past issues, including a revoked concession in 1999 due to a significant debt and findings of disused kitchen equipment and ceiling collapses. In 2000, health authorities flagged the site as a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes and rats, necessitating fumigation efforts. Now, under the current administration led by Mario Bergara, the Intendancy is attempting to break the cycle of neglect by submitting a new tender to the Departmental Board, aiming to finally restore the Forte di Makalle and its surrounding park.