Heritage Buildings Restored in Santiago de Cuba’s Historic Center
Santiago de Cuba is about to meet its 500th anniversary, and that’s the reason why architects, engineers and constructors are developing a comprehensive reconstruction plan in some of the most emblematic buildings of this old city.
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With different levels of complexity, hundreds of specialists and workers are doing their best to give several buildings back their functionality and splendor, since they feature different levels of deterioration. This task involves numerous generations of the people of Santiago.
Tens of workers revolutionize the surrounding area of Céspedes Park, where the old city of Santiago was built back in 1515. Complex works are being carried out in this area, such as the old Royal Bank of Canada, the present branch of the Credit and Commerce Bank BANDEC, or the impressive Imperial Hotel and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Although these buildings are different and the work is hard for everybody, these men of Santiago are proudly working for the 500th anniversary of the city and taking great pains over the renovation of the constructions that make it be an architectural treasure.
"You cannot see the city without these buildings. It is our duty to preserve them so Santiago can stand as the city that many generations have met, with its exquisite public architecture", Alejandro Soler, industrial designer, said.
On the other hand, the workers stick to their schedules and express that the rush must not entail mistakes in such detailed constructions.
"These are very-old heritage buildings, located in the colonial area of the city. We are not to work here with cranes or that type of gear. Even the works that require great deal of strength, like moving a 1-ton steel beam, are carried out with our own hands, it doesn’t matter the number of men it takes, as we are also to take care of adjacent buildings", Alberto Guilart Pérez, Project Manager with the 11th Engineering Works Constructing Company, points out.
This is why walking around the historic core is currently kind of complicated because of the noise, barriers and dust. Undoubtedly, the sacrifice will be worthy when the people of Santiago can admire the refurbished beauty of their city.
