Last Neoclassic Building in Cuba being Restored

MATANZAS, Cuba, Mar 26 (ACN) The former Firefighters Station in Matanzas, considered to be the last neoclassic style building constructed in Cuba, is under restoration, part of the constructive movement in the city for the 325th anniversary of the San Carlos and San Severino de Matanzas.

Located in the centric Vigia Square, founding site of the city and National Monument, the building constitutes the only living museum that treasures the history of firefighters and now serves as its headquarters that belongs to the Ministry of the Interior, MININT.

The Director of the Institution, Biolexis Ballester Quintana said that the restoration process is advancing according to the program and by October 12th, date of the foundation of Matanzas, the building will be renovated and serves with the same purpose for which it was built in 1900.

The MININT construction group is in charge of the restoration process, treasured by experts of the Architecture and Engineering Projects Company, Heritage Center and the Office of the Conservation of the City, all responsible for returning the original characteristics to the building, designed by architect Bernardo de Granda y Calleja in the early 20 th century.

Ballester Quintana commented on the current aspects of the restoration, which can be seen with its new ceiling, granite floor, surrounding plaza and other public spaces and informed that once concluded it will also be the Ministry of Interior Museum in the territory, thanks to the valuable donation received of active and retired combatants of the institution.

The Director highlighted the work of the creators of the Cuban Fund of Cultural Goods that is cooperating in the construction of the hall, site of the Concert Band, which was always located next to the Firefighters Station.

During the process of dismantling the floors, the workers found bottles, remains of the utensils that belonged to the first occupants of the building, in addition to discovering drainage tunnels underneath the Vigia Square, which were legends in the past.