Modern buildings of Cuba: The "Retiro Radial"

Havana It falls apart, but when the sea wind runs through the empty city, raising the dust, the seasoned walker discovers architectural gems that resist, as evidence that this city had better times.

Among these imposing buildings, most built in the 1950s, a tower stands out that retains its residential use in the El Vedado neighborhood: ElRadial Withdrawal.

What distinguishes the Retiro Radial building in Havana?

HeRadial Withdrawal It is located on Línea Street, between E and F, in the heart of the El Vedado neighborhood, in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality.

Its balconies have been modified and its façade shows occasional bruises, but the tower is firm,no warning signs for landslides, quite an achievement in these times.

This building was built in 1955. The project was carried out by the architectAdolfo Pérez Llana, who designed a modern apartment tower, with excellent views of the city and the sea.

Who were the owners of Retiro Radial?

Pérez Llana had unique clients, nothing more and nothing less than the most prominent announcers, artists, employees and workers in the communications sector in Cuba, specifically Cuban radio.

In 1953, the island's government approved Decree-Law 750, which created the Promotion of Insured Mortgages. This accelerated the construction of apartments, usually financed by Savings and Capitalization Banks.

The retirement funds (employee savings funds) of important companies and some powerful unions in the country could also finance constructions for their associates.

This is how the idea of creating buildings like theMedical Retirement (architect Antonio Quintana) or theRadial Withdrawal, property ofRetirement of the Announcers, Artists, Employees and Workers of Industry and Commerce of the National Radio.

The land in El Vedado was quite expensive and scarce at this time, but living in the area was ideal for radio professionals, due to its proximity to the most important stations.

The Horizontal Property system allowed investors to acquire central space at a high price and then make it profitable by dividing the cost among all the apartments.

This was the method the government used to give the middle class access tomodern homes, central, with all the services and excellently built, so much so that to this day they are the preferred buildings for thousands of Cubans.

Radial Retreat: Windows to Havana

In itRadial Withdrawal There are no decorative elements or elaborate structures. The silhouette of the building is lost in the urban fabric. It is not a landmark in the city, but its rationalist lines are part of the hallmark of Cuban architecture of the 1950s.

The clients ofAdolfo Pérez Llana They wanted comfort, space, light, modernity, proximity to the best bars, restaurants, and recording centers in Havana. He guaranteed all the details.

His project met, and meets 70 years later, the demands of those who live in the building. He gave them amagical cityscape with which to delight every day, without having to set foot in the ruins of an increasingly empty city.