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Real Estate News The incredible building where the creator of the Teatro Colón and other Argentine architectural gems lived is for sale - Infobae

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The incredible building where the creator of the Teatro Colón and other Argentine architectural gems lived is for sale - Infobae
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November 03, 2024



It predates the legendary Kavanagh and was designed by Julio Dormal, a Belgian architect who died in 1924 and a leading figure in French academicism. He also designed the forests and the Hippodrome of Palermo and the Government House of Buenos Aires, in La Plata.



ByJose Luis Cieri





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The building, which is also a small hotel, is just a few steps from the emblematic Kavanagh building and opposite Plaza San Martín.

A 1920 building is now on sale, located at 1,100 San Martín in the heart of Retiro , a few meters from the iconic Kavanagh and in front of Plaza San Martín . This is a unique opportunity for those looking for a property with heritage and architectural value.



Older than the Kavanagh, opened in 1936, this building reflects the architectural legacy of the early 20th century: it was built by Jules Dormal , an architect of Belgian origin who came to Argentina and was one of the fathers of the French academicism style in the country.

The property for sale in blocks was designed by Dormal (born in Liège in 1846 and died in Buenos Aires in 1924), who arrived in Argentina in 1870 and maintained important ties with figures such as Nicolás Avellaneda , president of the Nation between 1874 and 1880.





Dormal was born in Liège in 1846, arrived in Argentina in 1870 and maintained important links with figures such as President Nicolás Avellaneda . He died in Argentina in 1924.


Dormal, known for completing the Teatro Colón and designing the Parque Tres de Febrero in Palermo - a project promoted by President Domingo Faustino Sarmiento around 1875, today known as Bosques de Palermo - built this building as his personal residence.





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It is located in a dynamic area of CABA and those who buy it can convert it for different ventures: hotels, rentals, offices, entities, cultural sites, among other options (Photo Courtesy: Toribio Achával)

This professional was a key figure in the architecture of Buenos Aires, and also collaborated in the construction of emblematic buildings such as the Palermo Hippodrome and the Government House of La Plata , capital of the province of Buenos Aires.



The building at 1,100 San Martín is a testament to his vision, where he combined refined details with a functional design. Rossana Castiglioni , an architect and expert in historical heritage, told Infobae : “the original architecture of the building allows it to blend in with the surroundings despite the urban transformations of Plaza San Martín in the 1930s, when it was expanded and redesigned.”





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This property, now for sale, is a testament to the classical-academic style that defined Julio Dormal, one of the most important foreign architects for Argentine architecture (Photo Courtesy: General Archive of the Nation)

The façade maintains visual continuity with the surrounding buildings and frames the urban environment of Retiro, an area that underwent significant transformations in the 1930s. The residence, built before the rationalist-art deco boom of the Kavanagh, embodies a style that opposes subsequent architectural changes.

“Between 1929 and 1935, the area underwent an urban renewal that affected both Plaza San Martín and its surroundings. This process altered the traditional composition of public space and required the demolition of buildings on the slopes. In this context, Dormal's work became an articulating point and a bridge between architectural styles from different periods, providing a visual coherence that accompanies the expansion and redesign of the plaza up to its intersection with Ricardo Rojas,” Castiglioni added.





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Marbles and columns are the protagonists in the entrance area

With historical protection under category APH 38 , the building requires that any intervention comply with strict architectural preservation regulations. This protection, according to the Urban Planning Code, allows its adaptation for new uses as long as the formal and typological elements are respected.

Law 6509/2021 also includes this area in the Downtown Transformation Plan, which ensures that efforts are devoted to its maintenance and enhancement in the coming years, in accordance with its heritage relevance.





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French academic style (Photo Courtesy: Toribio Achával)

In terms of style, the building reflects the French academicism that Dormal promoted in Buenos Aires architecture. His works include, in addition to the completion of the Teatro Colón , the Teatro Ópera, the monument to General José de San Martín in the Cathedral of CABA, among many other public works, such as the Southern Railway Station in Mar del Plata, which would later function as a Bus Terminal until 2009 and the old wooden boardwalk.



The Urban Planning Code allows the adaptation of the building for new uses as long as the formal and typological elements are respected.


Dormal, who was a member of the Central Society of Architects and was a disciple of Viollet Le Duc (French architect who restored the Roquetaillade Castle , built by Charlemagne in the 14th century, between 1860 and 1870), left a significant legacy in Argentine architecture.

“His vision, which combined engineering and design, helped to forge an urban aesthetic that defines Buenos Aires to this day, with emblematic works that, as in the case of his own residence, consolidate his impact on the city's visual identity,” said Castiglioni.

Initially trained in Belgium and then at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris , Dormal brought to Buenos Aires a deep knowledge of European academicism. Dormal, along with his contemporary Alejandro Christophersen , is considered one of the guardians of the classical academic style in the country, and both were pioneers in the creation of the School of Architecture within the Faculty of Exact Sciences.

This school, in addition to its educational value, became a central hub for the organization of public works competitions in Argentina.





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With well-preserved moldings, sculptures and good layout. It has 6 levels and a basement (Photo Courtesy: Toribio Achával)

Alejandro Machado , an expert and researcher on the architecture of the period 1880-1930, highlights Dormal’s influence on the construction of residences and public buildings. “He was a committed professional and linked to important figures of his time, such as Julio A. Roca and Dardo Rocha . He was the architect behind key works, such as the residence of Dardo Rocha, which consolidated his reputation in the public and private spheres. His style and vision, which connected European tradition with the thriving Argentine society of the time, marked the design of residences that endure to this day.”

Among the most notable residences designed by Dormal is the Guerrico Family House, which currently houses the National Women's Library on Marcelo T. de Alvear 1100. He even took charge of the final construction management of the Congress Palace, designed by Víctor Meano, who was assassinated in 1904 .





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It is currently occupied by a company, but it is ideal for different uses.

“His work on these projects reflected a deep connection with the urban and cultural development of the country, becoming a key piece of Argentine architecture between 1890 and 1900,” Machado added.

Real estate

According to Nahuel Achával, commercial coordinator for Toribio Achával, who is in charge of marketing, the building changed hands over the years, then passing from Dormal to a Mr. Nougués and, later, to the current owner. The sale price in the area starts at USD 1,200 per m2 .





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Stained glass, marble and fine ironwork are part of the building built with imported materials

With 1,700 square meters of covered space spread over six floors and a 315 m2 plot, the building is in excellent condition. The property has high ceilings, 30 rooms, north-facing terraces and high-quality architectural details.

"This building is not only a real estate asset, but also a piece of Buenos Aires' architectural history. The original details and its perfect location in front of Plaza San Martín make it a unique option for those looking for a property with high heritage value in the downtown area," said Achával.





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Wide spaces

The reception areas have light marble floors and herringbone wood planking in the lounges, creating a warm and sophisticated atmosphere. The walls are adorned with carved dark wood panelling and classical mouldings on the ceilings, details that reflect the luxury of the early 20th century.

“The large wooden arched windows allow natural light to enter and provide access to terrace balconies with unobstructed views,” said Achával.





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With carved dark wood boiseries in various environments

Each room reveals noble materials and exceptional preservation, from the high ceilings and spacious spaces to the original moldings and finishes. This property is ideal for conversion into a corporate headquarters, embassy or tourism project. It can be used for Airbnb-type housing rentals.

It is also a small hotel , ideal for being converted into a project that attracts visitors to the city for tourism or work. Its location and features make it suitable for housing an entity, the headquarters of an embassy or a leading company.





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With own terrace

Achával concluded: “With a terrace balcony, the building is located in a privileged area surrounded by the best hotels and steps away from an important public transport hub in Retiro.”


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