Once upon a time, Barrio Mitre was born from the ashes of a tragic fire. This is Barrio Mitre. It is a humble neighborhood with a resilient spirit. It is located within Saavedra in Buenos Aires. However, it is not officially recognized as one of the city’s 48 barrios.
In the 1940s, a shantytown stood where Barrio Mitre now exists. A devastating fire in 1957 forced residents to seek refuge. They stayed at the infamous Albergue Warnes. In 1958, Barrio Mitre began to rise. It offered homes to those who lost everything in the blaze.
The neighborhood is nestled behind the Philips factory. It consists of only six blocks. These blocks are bordered by Correa, Posta, Arias, and Melián streets. Barrio Mitre shares its space with Barrio Sarmiento and Barrio Presidente Roque Sáenz Peña. They are all unofficial sub-barrios within Saavedra.
In the 1990s, the government decided to sell land near Arias, Melián, and Vedia streets. The owners of the Auchan hypermarket bought these plots. Construction of the Auchan supermarket began in 2000. It was next to the Philips factory and in front of Barrio Mitre. The 2001 crisis halted these plans. The construction site remained abandoned for years. Fences were erected to prevent illegal settlements.
In 2009, the DOT Baires Shopping mall opened on the site. This modern shopping center brought major brands to the area. However, the construction of DOT Baires Shopping, Edificio Intecons, and Edificio Panamericana Plaza created challenges for Barrio Mitre. These buildings seemed to turn their backs on the neighborhood. Traffic congestion increased and parking became scarce.
Legislators reported persecution of Barrio Mitre residents in 2014. This added to the challenges faced by the community. Despite these issues, Barrio Mitre has a strong sense of identity. It is a place where people have built their lives.
The neighborhood’s history dates back to 1958. It started as an emergency solution for fire victims. Families planted roots in Barrio Mitre. However, the area faced problems. Major construction projects led to conflicts and flooding.
In 2013, a severe storm caused widespread flooding. Homes were submerged. Tragically, one resident drowned. President Cristina Fernández visited the area to offer support. A new internal street was built to improve access. An education center was established for adults. Efforts were made to reduce flooding risks. A proposed wall around the neighborhood was rejected.
The Argentine Red Cross provides essential services in Barrio Mitre. Volunteers offer health care and work to reduce risks. They focus on helping elderly residents who live alone. After the 2013 floods, bonds between residents and the Red Cross grew stronger. The Red Cross helps the community prepare for future emergencies.
The Red Cross worked with locals to install street signs. Before, emergency services struggled to find addresses. Now, Barrio Mitre is easier to navigate.
Despite its challenges, Barrio Mitre has appeared in film. The movie “Taxi, un encuentro” features the neighborhood. It shows the everyday lives of its residents. The spirit of Barrio Mitre is strong. It is a community that has overcome adversity.