The year is 1923. A simple building stands proudly on Rua Coronel Francisco Amaro. This is the Residência e Sapataria dos Irmãos Frederico. It’s more than just a house. It’s a piece of Santo André’s history.
This humble structure played a key role in the growth of Vila Ypiranguinha. This area was one of Santo André’s first planned neighborhoods. It sprang up near the old road connecting the train station to Vila de São Bernardo. Between 1905 and 1909 immigrants seeking work at the Tecelagem Silva Seabra & Cia factory settled here. This factory was also known as Tecelagem Ipiranguinha.
By 1935 a small shoe factory was operating within the building. This was run by the Frederico brothers. It wasn’t a large-scale operation. It was more of a workshop. The brothers made and repaired shoes for the local community.
João Frederico one of the brothers arrived in Santo André around 1909. He started as a furniture polisher. Later he joined his brother in the shoemaking business. João had a passion for music. In 1916 he began studying music with Antonio Galluzzi. Galluzzi was the conductor of an old band connected to the Tiro de Guerra. From this band the Corporação Musical Lira de Santo André was born in 1918. Better known as Banda Lira.
The musicians played at Sunday events. They also performed at cinema and circus shows. They even participated in civic events. Finding places to rehearse was difficult. They used a makeshift space in a shed at the back of the Residência e Sapataria dos Irmãos Frederico building. João Frederico remained active in the Banda Lira. He was there when the group gained support from the city government. This support led to a permanent headquarters in Parque Antonio Fláquer. Today the Banda Lira is over 100 years old. It’s an important cultural symbol in Santo André.
The Residência e Sapataria dos Irmãos Frederico building is a testament to the past. It’s a single-story structure built right on the street. This was a common building style for working-class homes in early 20th-century Santo André. The year 1923 is clearly visible on its facade a symbol of its century-old presence. In November 2011 the building was officially recognized as a cultural heritage site by the COMDEPHAAPASA the Municipal Council for the Defense of Historical Artistic Architectural Urban and Landscape Heritage of Santo André. This recognition protects this building. It preserves a piece of Santo André’s early history and a unique blend of residential and commercial space. It’s a reminder of the lives and passions of those who built this city. The building stands as a powerful symbol. It shows the intertwined lives and aspirations of a family and a community. This humble building is a true landmark. It’s a vital part of Santo André’s identity. It’s a legacy of hard work passion and community spirit.