Perhaps you have noticed the art deco influences of the Antiguo edificio de posgrado. It stands as a proud example of post-revolutionary architecture. Today, we explore its history.
The Antiguo edificio de posgrado also called Palacio Federal or Correos began its life between 1928 and 1929. Augusto Petriccioli designed it. Fomento y Urbanización FYUSA built it.
Imagine Monterrey in the late 1920s. Aarón Sáenz was governor. Plutarco Elías Calles was president. This new building would house federal offices. It would later serve as the headquarters for the postal service Correos de México.
For a time, the Antiguo edificio de posgrado was the tallest building in the city. Its architecture incorporates indigenous elements. Look for the sculpture of Quetzalcoatl near the stairs.
Architect Carlos Lupercio described its design. He noted a main structure with a base and three floors. Above that was a transitional floor. This led to a central tower with four floors and a lookout. Its form clearly reflects Art Deco style.
Inside the Antiguo edificio de posgrado, the hall features a triple height. A decorative barrel vault covers it. Lunettes punctuate both sides. These rest on strongly architraved entablatures. Octagonal pilasters wrap around sturdy iron columns.
On the south side of the Antiguo edificio de posgrado, notice the sculptural frieze. It is attributed to artist Enrico Nessi. It stretches about seven meters long and two and a half meters high. The frieze features allegorical motifs. They represent the Republic, labor, industry, and the countryside.
In the center, an allegory of the Republic stands between two pilasters. She holds a sword and wears a Phrygian cap. To the left, three workers symbolize industries. On the right, a nude woman represents the arts. Another woman embodies science. Finally, three figures on the right represent agriculture and fertility.
The need for the Antiguo edificio de posgrado arose in the 1920s. Governor Porfirio G. González wanted to consolidate federal offices. Early plans considered offices for postal services and telegraphs. Also offices for the treasury and weights and measures. It would also house the Fourth Irrigation Zone Office. Various secretariats were planned too.
Initially, architects considered adapting the Colegio Civil. But the project moved to the Plaza de la República. The city exchanged the plaza land. The Federation ceded land to Nuevo León. FYUSA also gave land.
Construction progressed rapidly. The Fundidora de Fierro y Acero de Monterrey provided the steel structure. Cement Portland was also used. The exterior features cement paste, marble dust, and artificial stone. The first stone was laid on October 4, 1928.
Construction faced a brief interruption in March 1929. General Gonzalo Escobar’s armed uprising paused work. Bad weather also played a role. Despite delays, the structure was completed.
The Antiguo edificio de posgrado slowly declined. However, in 2019, the government of Nuevo León began a project to transform it. It became LABNL Lab Cultural Ciudadano. This center promotes creativity and citizen participation. The renovation cost over 80 million pesos.
Today, the Antiguo edificio de posgrado stands as a testament to Monterrey’s history. It is a symbol of architectural style. It is now a place for cultural innovation.