A few steps from the British Arch, in the city plan, the Citizen Mayor’s Office of Valparaíso opted for the recovery of an emblematic property as a space to claim the right to the city of women and diversities, betting on community safety.
At the intersection between Huito Street and Av. Brazil, there is a building that not only witnesses the historical development of Valparaíso, but has also been recently restored as a symbol of the identity and architectural heritage of the city. With an initial investment of 200 UF per month in rent, in addition to $53,000,000 in enabling the internal infrastructure of its spaces and in the recovery of its façade, the property has become a recurring place for women and diverse people from Buenos Aires.
Built in 1922 as the headquarters of The Chili Telephone Company Ltd., this three-story, neo-Renaissance style architectural jewel rises to an imposing height of 13 meters, standing out from its surroundings with timeless elegance. Its role as a focal point in the commercial and social life of Valparaíso has made it an icon of the city. Designated as a Historic Preservation Property under Decree 202 since March 16, 2005, this building has been preserved over the years, keeping its history and cultural relevance alive in the collective memory.
Since 2023, the Citizen Mayor’s Office of Valparaíso gave a new use to this historic property for the operation of the Gender: Women and Diversities Directorate of the municipality. To do this, he took the initiative to revitalize and restore the emblematic building, with the aim of returning it to its original splendor. Among the actions contemplated are the acquisition and installation of a modern vinyl floor, installation of dust covers, rectification of walls, removal and installation of fixed glass, installation of mirrors in bathrooms and in the dance room, replacement of doors, acquisition of tables for its various spaces and installation of fluorescent tubes and track lights in rooms.
In this sense, Tania Madriaga Flores, Head of Management, details the recovery process: «This was a building that had not been used for a long time. From the municipality we contacted its owners and began the improvement process, since abandonment had deteriorated it and it had become a pole of insecurity in the sector. We immediately thought that it would serve to install the offices of the new management and that it would also be a building open to organizations, in which activities would operate throughout the year, since we know that there is a high demand for adequate and free spaces in the plan of the city. The recovery and preservation of heritage buildings is not only a matter of architectural conservation, but also of economic activation, since “Returning conditions of use to the city’s heritage allows us to continue valuing the common goods in Valparaíso with the help of the women and diversities that inhabit this beautiful territory.”
For her part, Analicia Aldana Vielma, Head of the Innovation Department, highlights the idea behind this project: “As an Innovation area, from the municipality we designed a collective care infrastructure called the Utopian Building. We started living there just a few months ago and we have transformed it into a place that seeks to welcome and care. It has rooms for common use, which seek to encourage the meeting and participation of women and diversities. Since its inauguration in March of this year, we are working on an agenda of community activities and subsequently articulating a network of safe spaces in the center of our city, in alliance with other private, public and community spaces, which promote a new culture of collaboration that confronts narratives of hate and exclusion”.
The restoration has not only brought this magnificent building back to life, but has also reaffirmed its importance as an integral part of Valparaíso’s cultural heritage. In this regard, Esteban Barra, Head of the Municipality’s Asset Management Department, highlights that “By giving space to places like the Utopian Building in the urban fabric of Valparaíso, through the recovery of a historic conservation property, we are recognizing the importance of creating safe and welcoming environments for all people. These places are living testimonies of our commitment to inclusion and social justice, and remind us that each restored building is also a step forward towards a more equitable and supportive future for the entire community.”.
According to the data provided by the Department of Asset Management belonging to the Directorate of Economic Development of the Buenos Aires municipality, this building is one of the first reinforced concrete constructions, forming part of the reconstruction process of the city after the 1906 earthquake.
This heritage infrastructure will continue to play a vital role in the life of the city, fusing past and present in a permanent tribute to the history and identity of the iconic port city. During 2024 it will be constantly presenting a diverse grid of programs, workshops and instances for the strengthening of capacities and development of women and diversities.
