Residents of Barcelona's iconic Bloc Papallona, a protected Modernista building in the Eixample district, have alerted the City Council to significant heritage damage. They link this damage to ongoing renovation works by real estate investment company New Amsterdam, which aims to convert rental flats into co-living spaces.
Protected Building Faces Damage Concerns
The Socialist Housing Union, representing the tenants, commissioned an expert report documenting "damage to protected decorative elements." This Modernista building, dating from 1912, holds the status of a Cultural Asset of Local Interest (BCIL). The report details cracks on the rear facade, crowned with the building's distinctive butterfly mosaic. It also notes the disappearance of a Modernista-style wooden door. Tenant and union representative Anna Olesti stated, "They are passing the buck," referring to the lack of official response from the City Council and the Generalitat. Residents have reported vibrations from the comprehensive flat renovations for months.
Expert Report Details Vibrations and Cracks
The expert, B. Pascual, prepared the report due to the lack of official action. Her work indicates cracks "possibly caused by the vibrations the building has recently experienced." These cracks are not structural and do not threaten the building's safety. However, they could harm decorative elements. These include the ceramic trencadís, sgraffito on the facade, or ceiling paintings in the lobby. The Eixample district, known for its grid-like layout and numerous Modernista buildings, attracts many residents and tourists, according to Catalan Cultural Heritage Law. Protecting its architectural heritage is critical for the city's identity and appeal.
Calls for Official Supervision and Monitoring
The expert's conclusions urge the Barcelona City Council and the Eixample district to take pertinent measures. She recommends technical supervision to evaluate the decorative elements' condition. This would confirm no transformation or worsening of their conservation state. The report also calls for ongoing monitoring of heritage elements during the works. This ensures no administrative process is violated or any infraction occurs regarding the building's preservation. The City Council has a duty to protect catalogued buildings like Bloc Papallona.
Unanswered Questions on Preservation Duties
Neither the Socialist Housing Union nor the residents have received an official answer. They question whether there has been "non-compliance with the duties of preservation and maintenance of national or catalogued cultural assets." The situation highlights ongoing tensions between property development and heritage conservation in Barcelona. Residents await a clear response from authorities regarding the future of their historic home.
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Originally published by El País Barcelona. Read original article.
