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Jewel on the Island of Recoleta: They sell the apartment where a prestigious architect, an Art Deco icon, lived - Infobae
Source:
www.infobae.com
October 06, 2023
In front of the British embassy and with an area of 144 m2, this three-room property for sale is part of a building designed by the same architect responsible for La Equitativa del Plata and La Casa del Teatro, among other large projects.
By José Luis Cieri
The apartment that is now being sold is in a building that the architect Alejandro Virasoro himself built and who also lived there until his death in 1978 (Photos Courtesy: Bresson Brokers Argentina)
An apartment that was home to the prominent architect Alejandro Virasoro, known for his influence on Art Deco, a style that left its mark on works in both Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata, went up for sale. This 2-bedroom property is located in the prestigious area of La Isla in Recoleta, specifically in Luis Agote at 2400.
He is a professional who, like few others, knew how to leave his influence on the way of designing and building. Born in 1892 in Buenos Aires, this architect and builder with a prolific career demonstrated his passion from an early age by entering the School of Architecture of the University of Buenos Aires at only 15 years old (he graduated in 1913). During his training, he had the opportunity to learn from distinguished professors such as Julio Dormal and Eduardo Le Monnier, who were also members of the jury for his thesis. His first steps in the professional world took him to the studio of architect Arturo Prins, recognized for his design of the Gothic building of the Faculty of Engineering, where he shared his work experience with the talented Mario Palanti (the same one who did the centenary Barolo Palace).
Virasoro founded his own studio and established the construction company “Viribus Unitis,” which means “United Forces.” Over time, the company grew significantly, eventually employing 1,500 workers. What is notable is that at a time when such benefits were unthinkable, Virasoro gave his employees weekends off and provided food during the workday. In addition to his successful professional career, he started a family by marrying Juana María Basavilbaso , with whom he had 8 children.
Alejandro Virasoro, the architect who was an Art Deco revolutionary and left his mark on several works located in CABA and Mar del Plata, among other cities.
Due to the economic crisis of 1930, Virasoro was forced to close his company and moved to Mar del Plata, where he left his mark on Art Deco domestic architecture. During this time, he built several works, including a house for himself and his family in the La Perla area, as well as numerous tombs in the La Loma Cemetery. Later, he returned to Buenos Aires and continued his career, although in this new stage, he leaned towards rationalist architecture, known as the “international style,” moving away from Art Deco. Finally, he resided in one of the buildings that he built in this period, located at 2400 Agote Street, where he lived until his death in 1978, and which is the property that is now up for sale.
Auction of the property where La Casa del Teatro is located, inaugurated in 1938.
He established a close friendship with the architects Andrés Kalnay and José María Peña, to whom he generously provided numerous plans and drawings of his projects. In 1969, these two architects, together with José Xavier Martini, paid well-deserved tribute to Virasoro by writing a book that highlighted him as the pioneering architect in the development of Art Deco in Argentina.
Rosa Aboy, architect and doctor in History, and president of the Professional Council of Architecture and Urbanism (CPAU), told Infobae that “Alejandro Virasoro was a young architect who had recently joined the Central Society of Architects, challenging the architects of his time who, like Alejandro Christophersen , designed academic buildings and residences. Virasoro is modern in the sense of criticizing the historical legacy as the best language to respond to new challenges; his works can be framed within the currents of early modernity, close to Art Deco.
La Equitativa del Plata, on Florida and Diagonal Roque Sáenz Peña, premiered in 1929.
Virasoro challenged conservative trends in architecture in his article published in Architecture Magazine at the age of 30. In it, he questioned architects and clients for their adherence to anachronistic styles and advocated adaptation to the technical possibilities of the time, which he believed would lead to a new architectural aesthetic.
“He highlighted the influence of contemporary currents in New York, Moscow and Paris, where Art Nouveau was giving way to Art Deco. He appreciated new technical possibilities, such as reinforced concrete, to create a variety of modern buildings, including skyscrapers and movie theaters. His article generated controversy and marked the beginning of a prolific stage in his career, where iconic works stood out,” commented Aboy.
Interior of the El Hogar Argentino Bank, inaugurated in 1926. Now there is an annex of Santander Río and offices of the Buenos Aires Government (Photo Courtesy: @ivanbuenosaires)
The professional valued the new technical possibilities - especially the use of large reinforced concrete structures - that made it possible to materialize a multiplicity of new architectural themes imposed by urban modernization: garages, movie theaters, rental houses, residential homes. for workers and skyscrapers. There were many new themes and young people would be “the only ones who can do something for a new architecture”, although, as he himself recognized, they are not always in a position to do so.
“His most notable works were the Building for the Compañía Equitativa del Plata, on the corner of Diagonal Norte and Florida, the Casa del Teatro and Teatro Regina, on Avenida Santa Fe 1243, and a series of rental houses built between 1925 and 1930. and also individual houses and petit hotels, always in Art Deco style,” Aboy highlighted.
Also in CABA, works such as the Banco El Hogar Argentino stand out, a banking building that generated controversy in its time and that today functions as an annex to the Santander Río and offices of the Buenos Aires Government at Bartolomé Miter 575. In addition, the Guido Spano shopping gallery, located at 2653 Santa Fe Avenue.
In Mar del Plata, on the corner of Almirante Brown and Tucumán, there are four rental houses dating from between 1930 and 1950. Two of these homes are currently owned by the city's Bar Association and encapsulate the characteristic architectural essence of La Happy. These chalets are distinguished by their ceramic tile roofs, white plaster walls, the use of Mar del Plata stone and wood, as well as the arrangement of volumes that shape porches and gardens.
Entrance area to the building on Luis Agote at 2400, in La Isla, in Recoleta where the apartment that was for sale and built by Alejandro Virasoro is located.
Additionally, in the pedestrian San Martín, between Santiago del Estero and Santa Fe, there are still commercial premises and houses for rent. However, some architectural works, such as the original Post Office offices on Santiago del Estero Street, have unfortunately been demolished over time.
With balcony facing the street.
It is valued at USD 390,000 and about $130,000 is paid monthly there.
The building, 70 years old, follows a rationalist style with a ground floor and 8 floors between party walls.
With generous space that allows good circulation in the home.
Its distinctive exterior is completely clad in dark gray Venetian mosaic, and the railings feature curved plank details and vertical solids, a common feature in properties of this era and by these designers.
Completely renovated kitchen that overlooks an internal patio.
Gonzalo also highlighted that the property is very bright and that its location in front of the British embassy guarantees unobstructed views without high buildings on the opposite side of the sidewalk. “The apartment has a spacious living room that is connected through a terrace balcony, and the kitchen, which includes a dining area and access to the patio, is well equipped with generous storage space, something highly requested by buyers.”
Bright bedrooms.
Additionally, it is equipped with central and sector air conditioning, remote controlled electric awnings and curtains, adding a contemporary touch to the original high-quality design.
Environment that can also be transformed into a work space.
“This property is ideal for those looking for quality and comfort, being an attractive option for a family with one or two children, given its proximity to several nearby schools. Furthermore, its location is strategic, close to the important avenues of Libertador and Las Heras, in the area known as La Isla de Recoleta,” Gonzalo concluded.
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Source:
Joya en la Isla de Recoleta: venden el departamento donde vivió un prestigioso arquitecto, ícono del Art Decó
Frente a la embajada de Gran Bretaña y una superficie de 144 m2, este inmueble de tres ambientes en venta forma parte de un edificio diseñado por el mismo arquitecto responsable de La Equitativa del Plata y La Casa del Teatro, entre otros grandes proyectos
www.infobae.com
October 06, 2023
In front of the British embassy and with an area of 144 m2, this three-room property for sale is part of a building designed by the same architect responsible for La Equitativa del Plata and La Casa del Teatro, among other large projects.
By José Luis Cieri
The apartment that is now being sold is in a building that the architect Alejandro Virasoro himself built and who also lived there until his death in 1978 (Photos Courtesy: Bresson Brokers Argentina)
An apartment that was home to the prominent architect Alejandro Virasoro, known for his influence on Art Deco, a style that left its mark on works in both Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata, went up for sale. This 2-bedroom property is located in the prestigious area of La Isla in Recoleta, specifically in Luis Agote at 2400.
He is a professional who, like few others, knew how to leave his influence on the way of designing and building. Born in 1892 in Buenos Aires, this architect and builder with a prolific career demonstrated his passion from an early age by entering the School of Architecture of the University of Buenos Aires at only 15 years old (he graduated in 1913). During his training, he had the opportunity to learn from distinguished professors such as Julio Dormal and Eduardo Le Monnier, who were also members of the jury for his thesis. His first steps in the professional world took him to the studio of architect Arturo Prins, recognized for his design of the Gothic building of the Faculty of Engineering, where he shared his work experience with the talented Mario Palanti (the same one who did the centenary Barolo Palace).
Virasoro founded his own studio and established the construction company “Viribus Unitis,” which means “United Forces.” Over time, the company grew significantly, eventually employing 1,500 workers. What is notable is that at a time when such benefits were unthinkable, Virasoro gave his employees weekends off and provided food during the workday. In addition to his successful professional career, he started a family by marrying Juana María Basavilbaso , with whom he had 8 children.
Alejandro Virasoro, the architect who was an Art Deco revolutionary and left his mark on several works located in CABA and Mar del Plata, among other cities.
Due to the economic crisis of 1930, Virasoro was forced to close his company and moved to Mar del Plata, where he left his mark on Art Deco domestic architecture. During this time, he built several works, including a house for himself and his family in the La Perla area, as well as numerous tombs in the La Loma Cemetery. Later, he returned to Buenos Aires and continued his career, although in this new stage, he leaned towards rationalist architecture, known as the “international style,” moving away from Art Deco. Finally, he resided in one of the buildings that he built in this period, located at 2400 Agote Street, where he lived until his death in 1978, and which is the property that is now up for sale.
Auction of the property where La Casa del Teatro is located, inaugurated in 1938.
He established a close friendship with the architects Andrés Kalnay and José María Peña, to whom he generously provided numerous plans and drawings of his projects. In 1969, these two architects, together with José Xavier Martini, paid well-deserved tribute to Virasoro by writing a book that highlighted him as the pioneering architect in the development of Art Deco in Argentina.
Rosa Aboy, architect and doctor in History, and president of the Professional Council of Architecture and Urbanism (CPAU), told Infobae that “Alejandro Virasoro was a young architect who had recently joined the Central Society of Architects, challenging the architects of his time who, like Alejandro Christophersen , designed academic buildings and residences. Virasoro is modern in the sense of criticizing the historical legacy as the best language to respond to new challenges; his works can be framed within the currents of early modernity, close to Art Deco.
La Equitativa del Plata, on Florida and Diagonal Roque Sáenz Peña, premiered in 1929.
Virasoro challenged conservative trends in architecture in his article published in Architecture Magazine at the age of 30. In it, he questioned architects and clients for their adherence to anachronistic styles and advocated adaptation to the technical possibilities of the time, which he believed would lead to a new architectural aesthetic.
“He highlighted the influence of contemporary currents in New York, Moscow and Paris, where Art Nouveau was giving way to Art Deco. He appreciated new technical possibilities, such as reinforced concrete, to create a variety of modern buildings, including skyscrapers and movie theaters. His article generated controversy and marked the beginning of a prolific stage in his career, where iconic works stood out,” commented Aboy.
Interior of the El Hogar Argentino Bank, inaugurated in 1926. Now there is an annex of Santander Río and offices of the Buenos Aires Government (Photo Courtesy: @ivanbuenosaires)
The professional valued the new technical possibilities - especially the use of large reinforced concrete structures - that made it possible to materialize a multiplicity of new architectural themes imposed by urban modernization: garages, movie theaters, rental houses, residential homes. for workers and skyscrapers. There were many new themes and young people would be “the only ones who can do something for a new architecture”, although, as he himself recognized, they are not always in a position to do so.
“His most notable works were the Building for the Compañía Equitativa del Plata, on the corner of Diagonal Norte and Florida, the Casa del Teatro and Teatro Regina, on Avenida Santa Fe 1243, and a series of rental houses built between 1925 and 1930. and also individual houses and petit hotels, always in Art Deco style,” Aboy highlighted.
Also in CABA, works such as the Banco El Hogar Argentino stand out, a banking building that generated controversy in its time and that today functions as an annex to the Santander Río and offices of the Buenos Aires Government at Bartolomé Miter 575. In addition, the Guido Spano shopping gallery, located at 2653 Santa Fe Avenue.
In Mar del Plata, on the corner of Almirante Brown and Tucumán, there are four rental houses dating from between 1930 and 1950. Two of these homes are currently owned by the city's Bar Association and encapsulate the characteristic architectural essence of La Happy. These chalets are distinguished by their ceramic tile roofs, white plaster walls, the use of Mar del Plata stone and wood, as well as the arrangement of volumes that shape porches and gardens.
Entrance area to the building on Luis Agote at 2400, in La Isla, in Recoleta where the apartment that was for sale and built by Alejandro Virasoro is located.
Additionally, in the pedestrian San Martín, between Santiago del Estero and Santa Fe, there are still commercial premises and houses for rent. However, some architectural works, such as the original Post Office offices on Santiago del Estero Street, have unfortunately been demolished over time.
What is the property like?
The house that bears the Virasoro seal has been completely renovated by the current owners and stands out for its luminosity. Of the total 144 m2, 24 correspond to outdoor spaces: a balcony terrace overlooking the gardens of the British Embassy and a small private patio, which provides a feeling of spaciousness and comfort.“It has two bedrooms, plus a guest room with access to a second patio, three bathrooms and a reception toilet (formerly a service room),” Laura Gonzalo, a residential broker who works for the Bresson real estate company, told Infobae.
With balcony facing the street.
It is valued at USD 390,000 and about $130,000 is paid monthly there.
The building, 70 years old, follows a rationalist style with a ground floor and 8 floors between party walls.
With generous space that allows good circulation in the home.
Its distinctive exterior is completely clad in dark gray Venetian mosaic, and the railings feature curved plank details and vertical solids, a common feature in properties of this era and by these designers.
Completely renovated kitchen that overlooks an internal patio.
Gonzalo also highlighted that the property is very bright and that its location in front of the British embassy guarantees unobstructed views without high buildings on the opposite side of the sidewalk. “The apartment has a spacious living room that is connected through a terrace balcony, and the kitchen, which includes a dining area and access to the patio, is well equipped with generous storage space, something highly requested by buyers.”
Bright bedrooms.
Additionally, it is equipped with central and sector air conditioning, remote controlled electric awnings and curtains, adding a contemporary touch to the original high-quality design.
Environment that can also be transformed into a work space.
“This property is ideal for those looking for quality and comfort, being an attractive option for a family with one or two children, given its proximity to several nearby schools. Furthermore, its location is strategic, close to the important avenues of Libertador and Las Heras, in the area known as La Isla de Recoleta,” Gonzalo concluded.
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