Marvelous Villa Roccatagliata isn’t it? This stunning residence stands proudly on Avenida Ricardo Balbín. It was built around 1900 for Juan Roccatagliata. An inscription on its facade confirms this fact. The architect remains unknown. However the style is clearly Italianate. It’s a classic example of a large family home. It reflects the prosperity of families who settled in the newly developed Coghlan neighborhood.
Villa Roccatagliata holds a special place in Buenos Aires history. Along with the Hospital Pirovano it was one of the first buildings to have a telephone line. How advanced for its time! Imagine the convenience this would have offered. A fascinating detail is the Roccatagliata family’s ownership of the famous Confitería del Molino. The family’s influence extended beyond their beautiful home.
Architect Jorge Liernur classifies Villa Roccatagliata as a “villa criolla”. This describes suburban houses blending Spanish tradition with new Italian sensibilities. The house has an H-shaped floor plan. A central vestibule opens into rooms arranged along galleries. The design is both elegant and functional.
Sadly Villa Roccatagliata fell into disrepair. Its gardens became a service station. The palace itself housed a small supermarket. Despite these alterations the building retains its patrimonial value. Fortunately much of its historical significance survived.
In 2009 the building received preventative protection status. A proposed development threatened its future. Plans for two towers of 13 and 27 stories around Villa Roccatagliata sparked controversy. Local groups fought hard to protect this architectural treasure. They successfully halted construction on several occasions. Ultimately the project moved forward despite setbacks.
The construction began in 2016. It faced more legal challenges. The legal battles continued into 2017 and beyond. It’s a testament to the determination of those who fought to preserve Villa Roccatagliata. Today the building’s future is secured. It stands as a symbol of resilience. It is a reminder of Buenos Aires’ rich architectural heritage. Villa Roccatagliata continues to captivate and inspire.