Tierras Altas

Hidden within the sprawling tapestry of Buenos Aires lies Tierras Altas. This vibrant neighborhood pulses with a unique rhythm. Tierras Altas translates to “highlands,” a name that hints at its location. It sits along the Belgrano Norte railway line, approximately 38 kilometers from Retiro station. Tierras Altas is a relatively young town, officially established in 2004. Before that, it was simply known as Kilometer 38, a reference to its distance along the railway. The area was once a part of both Grand Bourg and Tortuguitas. The story of Tierras Altas begins much earlier than its official designation. In the 1950s, the Padilla real estate company began developing the area. This marked the beginning of Tierras Altas’s transformation from open land to a bustling community. One of the earliest milestones in the history of Tierras Altas was the construction of a first aid clinic. In the early 1970s, a group of residents pooled their resources to build this vital community resource. The clinic opened in 1972. Dr. Nestor Rivas, a physician from Tortuguitas, oversaw its operation. The community’s spirit of self-reliance is evident in the story of the Tierras Altas train station. In the 1980s, the neighborhood’s residents rallied together. They contributed their own labor to build the station. Many worked tirelessly during evenings, weekends, and holidays. Their hard work paid off. On July 9, 1988, the Kilometer 38 station was inaugurated. It was later renamed Tierras Altas station. This station served the community for over 30 years before being demolished in 2018 to make way for a new, modern station. Another important development for Tierras Altas was the construction of a level crossing. This project finally connected the two sides of the town, which had long been divided by the railway tracks. The level crossing, located at Uruguay Street, was inaugurated on December 23, 2008. Tierras Altas today is a neighborhood with a mix of new and old, marked by the ongoing construction of homes, often using red bricks, symbolizing the aspirations of its residents. The community is also grappling with political challenges. There are concerns about the distribution of resources and the transparency of local government. Despite these difficulties, the spirit of the people of Tierras Altas remains strong. Their story is one of resilience, community spirit, and an unwavering commitment to building a better future.