The Restoration of Havana, Cuba's Historical Buildings

Bill Dexter has been working in association with the American Institute of Architects and the Office of the City Historian for the old city of Havana, Cuba to prepare case studies and research material regarding the historic restoration of the city's architectural treasures. This task is being supported by international organizations that have recognized the historic value of this living museum.

Havana was founded in 1519 by the Spanish. By the 17th century, it had become one of the Caribbean's main centers for ship-building. Although it is today a sprawling metropolis of 2 million inhabitants, its old center retains an interesting mix of Baroque and neoclassical monuments, and a homogeneous ensemble of private houses with arcades, balconies, wrought-iron gates and internal courtyards. Old Havana, Cuba (Habana Vieja(, in this sense, is a living architectural museum within an economic environment that once prospered from sugar and tobacco exports. In the 1940's and 50's tourism, gambling and maritime commerce led the economy to record levels followed by virtual bankruptcy and decline with the pull out of the Soviet Union's support in 1991. W.F. Dexter is currently involved with historical research in cooperation with the office of the City of Havana's Architecture Historian. Numerous programs regarding the international efforts to save and restore the ancient architectural treasures of the city of Havana have been presented nationally by Bill Dexter.

Today, Cuba has virtually no free enterprise other than foreign investments in tourism and limited elements of a population that lives in abject poverty. In other normal societal environments, with the growth of the national economy, old structures would be demolished and replaced with newer buildings. But not in Havana; as a result of political turmoil, revolution and government transitions, the once wealthy society found itself in the throws of economic decline with few resources to fund any redevelopment. This economic chasm in the development of Cuba actually spared the old historic buildings from the redevelopment wrecking ball. The use and reuse of grand private residences, with interior court yards, fountains, stained glass windows, marble floors and staircases fell to the occupation of multi family tenements. The once grand open court yards are now strung with clothes lines and have a dozen electric meters distributing power to each resident family.

The dawn of the 21st Century along with the emerging tourist-driven economy of the impoverished island is witness to new renovations of the architectural treasures. The expanding economy along with international funding from several groups dedicated to preservation of World Heritage sites provides some funds for repair. Although progress is being made, the technology and level of trade skills is lacking decades behind other countries. This article endeavors to explore the cultural and economic transitions in Havana that are influencing the rehabilitation of the country's architectural treasures. The world of architecture has been, for the most part, devoid of information as to the state of the built environment of Cuba, especially since the change of government in the fifties. Some of the most outstanding examples of early Spanish colonial architecture, and the vernacular elements particular to Cuba are still in daily use after 300 years. There are also some classic examples of early twentieth century buildings following the United States liberation of the island nation from Spain and the subsequent influence by the United States. Of critical interest are the restoration efforts during the forty four year long regime of the Castro government.

Photographs and narrative descriptions of the work, the general condition of old and new buildings, and the current attempts at energy efficient design add a welcome addition to our history of western architecture in this isolated island country. We too often lump together the architecture of Latin America and other Caribbean countries. The subtleties that define individual countries and cultures are a fascinating study of an emerging North American Latin culture. The legacy and development of buildings in Cuba are missing from our lexicon of data.

In 1962 UNESCO designated 444 buildings in Havana as World heritage sites. Photographs of the buildings will be periodically added to this article.

El Capitolio, built in 1929 is now a national museum and used as a meeting place for visiting foreign digniteries.