Wow. Look at the Estrugamou Building. Its grandeur is breathtaking.
This architectural marvel on the corner of Juncal and Esmeralda streets in Buenos Aires’ Retiro neighborhood is more than just a building. It’s a testament to a bygone era. It’s a stunning example of French architecture. The Estrugamou Building truly resembles an aristocratic French mansion. Notice its chimneys its mansard roof and its impressive three-story classical columns.
Commissioned in 1924 by Alejandro Estrugamou a wealthy Argentine landowner the Estrugamou Building reflects Argentina’s building boom from 1880 to the 1920s. This was a time when Buenos Aires was one of the world’s richest and fastest-growing cities. The building’s design a blend of French Baroque and Second Empire styles is the work of architects Eduardo Sauze and August Huguier. Almost every decorative element was imported from France. Even the flooring is exquisite Slovenian oak.
Completed in 1929 just before the Great Depression each of its eight floors originally housed four massive apartments. Imagine living in one. Each apartment boasted a drawing room a dining room a living room five bedrooms for the family and three for servants. That’s opulence.
But the Estrugamou Building isn’t just about luxury. Look closely. In the courtyard you’ll see a bronze replica of the Winged Victory of Samothrace. It’s a striking copy of the famous Louvre Museum sculpture. The original is a 2nd-century BC marble sculpture of the Greek goddess Nike. See it there through the iron door? Above it the words “Edificio Estrugamou” are carved into the concrete. The architects’ names “Sauze and Huguier” are also there.
The building originally had a huge sidewalk and a large garden. However Mr Estrugamou donated this land to the city to widen Juncal Street. He died in 1937 a generous act for the city.
The Estrugamou Building has welcomed notable residents. Tango legend Carlos Gardel and journalist Jorge Lanata are just two. It’s a building that whispers stories of glamour diplomacy and politics. It’s a true treasure of Buenos Aires.