Edifício Esther

In 1936, a vision took shape on São Paulo’s Praça da República. This vision, the Edifício Esther, was more than just a building. It was a testament to the ambition of Paulo de Almeida Nogueira, owner of the Usina de Açúcar Esther. Nogueira envisioned a modern marvel that would house his company’s offices and provide residential units. The Edifício Esther, designed by young architects Álvaro Vital Brazil and Adhemar Marinho, became São Paulo’s first modern building. Inaugurated in 1938, the Edifício Esther quickly became a symbol of progress and a landmark in Brazilian modern architecture. The Edifício Esther was a pioneer in mixed-use design, combining commercial and residential spaces in a single tower. Eleven stories tall and boasting 10,000 square meters of built area, it housed 103 offices, a variety of apartments, and a rooftop restaurant. The building’s unique design included horizontal windows, cylindrical additions on the smaller facades, and a canopy encircling the entire structure. Black glasslite strips, not present in the initial design, were a striking feature of the finished building. The Edifício Esther wasn’t just a building; it was a microcosm of São Paulo society. Commercial spaces attracted lawyers, accountants, and engineers. Residential units became home to bohemians, artists, and intellectuals. Di Cavalcanti, the renowned painter, and Marcelino de Carvalho, the legendary journalist, were among its residents. Architect Rino Levi also had his office there. In the 1950s, the Oasis nightclub in the basement became a hub for intellectuals, with journalist Assis Chateaubriand a frequent visitor. It was in these basement gatherings that the idea for the São Paulo Museum of Modern Art was born. The Edifício Esther, once a symbol of modernity, faced a period of decline when the Nogueira family moved their business back to the countryside in 1965. The building was sold, and maintenance suffered. It narrowly escaped demolition in the 1980s thanks to its historical and architectural significance. It was thankfully listed by CONDEPHAAT in 1990, preserving a vital piece of São Paulo’s history. The Edifício Esther has experienced a revival in recent years. The rooftop, once a beautiful rose garden, now houses the Esther Rooftop restaurant, opened in 2016 by French chef Olivier Anquier. The building continues to evolve, adapting to the changing face of São Paulo while holding onto its rich past.