“Did you know that Edificio A is the sister building to the Antiguo Palacio del Ayuntamiento?” Today, we explore the Edificio A. It officially carries the name Edificio de Gobierno de la Ciudad de México.
This building and its sister host the executive and administrative offices of the Mexico City government. Much of the design of Edificio A was meant to complement the original building.
Construction occurred between 1941 and 1948. Edificio A replaced the old Portal de las Flores building. The Portal de las Flores was originally a residential complex. It later converted to commercial use. The Portal de las Flores got its name from its original owner, Flores. Later, it housed a market. It sold fresh flowers and produce. The Portal building stood from 1724. It maintained its commercial function until the 19th century.
Demolition took place in 1935. This occurred as the Supreme Court building was beginning construction to the east. The demolition allowed for the opening of 20 de Noviembre Street. This street sits at the center-south of the Zócalo.
Edificio A suffered extensive damage in the 1985 earthquake. You can see reinforcements and steel buttresses almost throughout the interior. The lobby of Edificio A centers around a main stairwell. The stairwell features two 1986 murals by Carlos Montuy. The murals represent Mexican history. They span from the prehispanic era to the Revolution.
Let’s talk about another building nearby. The Edificio La Nacional is an Art Deco office building. It sits on Avenida Juárez. It is just across the street from Palacio de Bellas Artes. Manuel Ortiz Monasterio designed it. He once directed the Escuela Nacional de Arquitectura.
The Edificio La Nacional is considered the first building over 10 stories in Mexico. Built between 1929 and 1932, it is known as “La Nacional.” It originally housed the National Insurance Company.
Until Edificio Corcuera was built in 1937, it was the tallest building in Mexico City. It reaches 56 meters and 13 floors. Five elevators serve the building. Its steel frame could withstand strong earthquakes. The total building area is 15,000 square meters. It sustained some damage but survived the 1957 and 1985 earthquakes. It was slightly damaged in the 2012 Oaxaca-Guerrero earthquake.
The building next to it is known as “La Nacional II”. It is considered an annex. This building was built in 1949 and contains a Sears store. The eighth floor houses a popular café. It offers views of Palacio de Bellas Artes and Alameda Park.
Back to the Art Deco style: After the Mexican Revolution of the 1910s, Mexico City was growing. The spirit of the times called for architectural alternatives to historical revival styles. Art Deco fit the bill.
Art Deco is known for its geometric forms. Think Parisian theaters and New York skyscrapers. Art Deco symbolized machine age modernity. It also incorporated artistic themes from early civilizations. These included Mexico’s Aztecs and Mayans. This combination aligned with post-revolutionary aspirations. It defined Mexico as a progressive nation proud of its pre-Columbian heritage.
Given its location and high visibility, many criticized it for lacking a traditional Mexican character. However, it features ziggurat setbacks at the upper levels. This building form matches the stepped pyramids of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic civilizations. So, La Nacional was not so foreign after all.
Edificio A and its surroundings showcase a blend of history. It also reveals modern architectural adaptations. These buildings stand as testaments to Mexico City’s evolving identity. They reflect both its resilience and artistic spirit.