“Last architectural example” they called it. The Mansão Tognato stands before us as a proud monument. It reflects Santo André’s golden age of industrialization. Let me tell you about this impressive building and the family behind it.
The Tognato family journey began far away. They immigrated from Italy in 1895. By 1901, they had settled in Santo André. Many family members found work at the Silva, Seabra & Cia textile factory. It was the largest factory in the ABC region at that time.
The Tognatos were quick learners. By 1909, some of the children Giacinto Pietro, Romano, Attilio, Massimiliano Angelo and Amabile started their own weaving business. They began modestly. Just two looms in the back of their house in the Jardim neighborhood produced cotton bedspreads.
Their business grew quickly. They bought a 20,000 square meter plot on Rua Siqueira Campos. There, they built a warehouse to support their expanding operations. In the 1940s, Tognato Weaving moved again. This time to a 200,000 square meter area. It was near Avenida Pereira Barreto in São Bernardo do Campo. The factory remained there until the late 20th century. Technological changes and international competition forced them to adapt. Production moved to a smaller space on Via Anchieta.
Now, gaze upon the Mansão Tognato. It was built in the 1930s by engineer Luiz Giacometti. It became the family home of Giacinto Tognato. The house reflects the lifestyle of industrialists. The nearly 5,000 square meter property was part of the Jardim Piratininga development. The Pujol brothers organized this development from 1923.
Note the architectural style. The Mansão Tognato showcases eclectic architecture. This style reflects European tastes. It also demonstrates access to imported materials and ornaments. The house is set in the middle of the lot. It is surrounded by gardens.
The Tognato family also owned Fiação e Tecelagem Tognato. This textile company became a major regional industry. It was founded in 1910 in Santo André. In 1940, it moved to São Bernardo. The company occupied 225,000 square meters in Baeta Neves.
The company reached its peak in 1970. At that time, it employed 1,700 people. They produced silks, blankets, and comforters. Sadly, the opening of the Brazilian market in the 1990s hurt the business. Imported products flooded the market. The family’s management style and slow modernization also contributed to its decline. In 2006, the company declared bankruptcy. Only 90 employees remained at that point.
Santo André recognized the Mansão Tognato’s cultural significance. In 2007, the city designated it a cultural heritage site. COMDEPHAAPASA ensured its preservation. The house represents a specific way of life. It serves as a reference point for collective memory. Its presence has shaped the landscape for nearly a century.
The Mansão Tognato is more than just a building. It is a symbol of an era. It embodies the history of Santo André’s industrial elite. The mansion stands as a reminder of the Tognato family’s legacy.
Today, the Mansão Tognato is leased. Since 2001, it has housed a Fleury Group laboratory unit. Recent restoration work improved the building. Original colors were identified. Lost decorative paintings were rediscovered. The roof and other original elements were restored. These efforts ensure that the Mansão Tognato remains a window into Santo André’s past. The building allows visitors to experience the city’s rich history.