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Temporary apartments in Buenos Aires Argentina

ABOUT POETRY BUILDING

THE SETTING

Economic tremors in Argentina

A severe economic depression struck Argentina in the second half of 1998. The ensuing slide eventually led to Argentina’s massive 2001 financial collapse. Moreover, it became the largest debt default in world history. A business designed to offer temporary apartments in Buenos Aires Argentina to vacation and business travelers would seem decades away. But by 2003, much to the surprise of its citizens, the economy started to recover. On the heels of a rise in commodity prices, the country began its ascent from the ashes. The main product was soybeans. Argentina is the world’s third-largest producer. The GDP grew at 9% a year for five straight years.

There was cheap labor and improving economic conditions. This gave property owners a long-awaited chance to sell. All of this made for a construction boom. For that reason, builders became active. They started replacing many of the prestigious buildings, dating from Argentina’s glorious past, with modern ones. Sadly (depending on your perspective), new construction replaced French and Italian architecture from the 19th century. Revamped zoning codes allowed all of this to happen. Indeed, new permissions lead to taller buildings. Certainly, more sellable meters meant more profit. It was not until 2009 that the city put in place preservation laws. This had the effect of protecting buildings built before 1942.

OUR DISCOVERY

And Journey

Built in 1911, we found our building in 2006. It is firmly rooted in Argentina’s history. Formerly, it was the home of the Peralta Ramos, one of our most famous aristocratic families. It was a shell of its former self when we bought it. This neglected mansion became an ideal project for someone with a love for antiquity. It required a respect for the past. And it demanded a desire to preserve a cultural landmark. An absolute naiveté in real estate development coupled perfectly with these feelings. As a result, an over-3-year journey led to the completion of 17 serviced apartments in Buenos Aires for temporary rental. All of them within a 100-year-old mansion.

In 2006, the building was the home of just three people. The front entrance was a driveway. The ground floor was a garage and utility room. While livable, throughout the decades, original spaces in the building were badly damaged. We set about to re-imagine the areas within the building’s structure. We were naïve in thinking that renovation could be easier than new construction. Truly, we believed that changing layouts would be simpler than creating new ones. Sadly, the opposite is true. A new building has many things in its favor. Each craftsman is going to the exact same spot to install their plug, drain, or faucet. Renewal makes one captive to past whims. Each beam must be respected, each column must be accounted for, and each floor will eventually be prayed upon.

2006 – RESTORATION

Since its inception in 1911, the façade of the building was untouched. We refused to renovate the face of the building with an adhesive cement-like material. Instead, we hired specialists who had been assigned to the Teatro Colón‘s renovation. They worked non-stop to preserve the building’s street-facing surface. Restoration and preservation mean extensive cleaning and repair of fissures and cracks. This process involves painstaking labor but it is vital to maintain the aura of antiquity. Every window frame needed a major update. Using the original structures, we replaced all of the single paned glass with air-tight double-paned panels. Then, we built them back into the original frames. Lastly, on the first three floors, we made interior window frames that created internal ‘built-in’ shelving units and a third level of sound lining.

TODAY – TEMPORARY APARTMENTS IN BUENOS AIRES ARGENTINA

Under careful inspection of the two façade photos, one will notice changes to the building’s face. We cut matching side doors at street level for more light. Also, we opened the 2 round ornamental spaces. Moreover, on the second floor, we cut out small doors leading to the French balconies. Also, we added the two cornices under the central balcony on the third floor that had fallen. Many other ornate pieces left incomplete were repaired, as well.

We kept all of the original hand soldered railings but meticulously refurbished them.

While maintaining the antiquity of the exterior, the interior was wholly re-imagined and modernized. Units are split between each open floor plan. The removal of the front roof is hardly noticed. The same can be said for the addition of three floors.

THE POND

We doubt that the dipping pool area was ever part of the original building. Nor can we be sure when was the last time it had been used. Neither the ducks nor the geese were happy with our update. But guests, looking for serviced apartments in Buenos Aires, certainly are.

DIPPING POOL AND SUN DECK

We installed several built-in planter boxes. Also, the dipping pool extension has an infinity aspect. Moreover, it is perfect for an adult to relax and is safe for a toddler to play. There are several built-in sitting spaces, an outdoor shower, and an honor bar.

OUR EFFORTS

Respecting the past while looking ahead

We unearthed over 3 feet of ground floor to create more head space in the lobby. Furthermore, we removed the second floor’s inner courtyard. As a result, more natural light now enters the ground floor. Our patio fountain replaced the small garage space.

The original elevator was a quaint piece. However, it was tiny and not suitable to today’s needs. Surrounding the old elevator was the original wood staircase. But this one only rose to the 2nd floor. It was well beyond expiry date. Therefore, we had to remove the old elevator shaft and the staircase. We also had to remove the concrete staircase at the rear of the building. We replaced them with two new elevator shafts and their machinery. Also, we built a brand new and more expansive staircase. Steel and concrete make up the new structure.

Located on the rear body of the building’s roof was the original pool. However, it would be considered more of a pond than a pool by today’s standards. After much effort, we transformed this terrace into a sun deck. Moreover, we covered the area with rare Lapacho hardwood. We also doubled the footprint of the pool. To this end, we did not exert too much weight on the structure below. This feature allows for shallow water space. Therefore, the addition is safe for children and pleasant for adults to lounge.

Structural change

The front of the building did not originally extend past the fourth floor. To expand the living space, we removed the front part of the building’s original roof. For this purpose, we lowered the ceiling by 5 feet to comply with city height concerns. This resulted in private outdoor space for each of our serviced apartments in Buenos Aires above the 4th floor. From there, we built three more stories. These are set back and behind the early façade. Hidden when looking up from street level are the three added floors. We needed to stabilize the building’s structure for this addition. Therefore, we dug down 30 feet and constructed supporting pillars.

Brick arches make up the vaulting in most of the ceilings. People believed at the time, that this type of finish was industrial and unsightly. Therefore, they had covered the brick and lowered the ceiling. To our delight, we found these beautiful structures while removing the roof. Hence, we decided to expose them again. Our idea was to maintain the building’s identity while amplifying the spaces.

Each of the new apartments in Buenos Aires was ultimately constrained. Existing floors, pillars, and beams dictated the layout of the units. Also, we replaced and brought the entire plumbing and electrical system to current standards. Moreover, we used meticulous detail to install walls, floors, bathrooms, kitchens, and amenities.

Years later, we added Recoleta’s first rooftop organic vegetable garden.

DECOR

Serviced apartments Buenos Aires

For years, architects, city planners, plumbers, electricians, and journeymen all tried to strip us of any remaining sanity. With that said, the joy that came with decorating the interior spaces was overwhelming. The days of banging our heads against a wall waiting for a construction worker to show up had finally ended. We were ready to furnish our apartments. We found ourselves immersed in the art of decoration.

Due to Argentina’s recent economic past, antique pieces brought from Europe around Argentina’s heyday were plentiful. They were also gleefully sold. We visited many local auction houses, antique stores and galleries. We scoured the inventory for pieces that would work together. Furthermore, we worked extensively with local artisans refurbishing or re-imaging pieces. Also, we created new ones from scratch. This labor of love resulted in our somewhat eclectic style. It mixes a Louis XV bedside table with a massive hand cut chandelier. It pairs reclaimed work benches with modern art pieces.

The patio fountain light years away

If one looks closely enough, impressions from our heads banging against the walls can be found.

The patio fountain today

The fountain consists of work by a local artist. They are iron pieces from a shipwrecked barge found off the coast of Argentina.

Loft 1B before

We completely re-configured and installed new kitchens and bathrooms (not to mention the electrical and plumbing work that these implied).

Serviced Apartments Buenos Aires

All of our Buenos Aires apartments are unique in design. Each piece of furniture was purchased at auction or made by a local artisan. Much care and detail are evident in every unit. Modern amenities like Apple TVs, and Bluetooth speakers are in every apartment. We hope to make guests feel not only comfortable but pampered.

THE POETRY BUILDING TODAY

Temporary apartments in Buenos Aires Argentina

Today, we proudly offer 17 temporary apartments in Buenos Aires Argentina. These units are beautifully appointed and professionally furnished. They are specially designed as serviced apartments in Buenos Aires. We provide studios, one bedrooms, and two penthouses. We also have duplex and loft accommodations.

Characterized by its elegant and romantic style, the Poetry Building stands apart from all other temporary apartments in Buenos Aires Argentina. Like poetry itself, it tells a story. It has a soul of its own and an inherent beauty. Nevertheless, it is open to the interpretation of each person that ventures through its doors. Dating back over one hundred years, the Poetry Building has been meticulously modernized to meet current demands. This makes it ideal for vacation and business travelers. And it remains ideal for those seeking Buenos Aires apartments.

Serviced apartments Buenos Aires

The guests at the Poetry Building can take advantage of our outstanding amenities. We offer a sundeck with dipping pool and honor bar. Also, we have a rooftop organic vegetable terrace called Ellie’s Garden. We also provide Apple TVs. These units come with complimentary in-house movie & television library. Moreover, there is free WIFI access. Furthermore, the neighborhood of Recoleta is ideal. It is one of the most desired, central, and elegant of all locations in Buenos Aires. Poetry Building is in the heart of the area. Cultural sights, parks, shopping options, cafes and restaurants surround us. Also, there are many nightlife alternatives nearby.

We provide ideal temporary apartments in Buenos Aires Argentina. We offer far more space than a typical hotel room. At the same time, this feature allows for the comfort and independence of a luxury rental apartment. Our guests enjoy the expertise of Poetry’s staff. We have experienced minimal turnover throughout the years. This consistency contributes to the outstanding on-site concierge service that we offer. We are happy to assist in literally any request. We give local insight for booking activities throughout Buenos Aires. And we also have our private chauffeur, among many other services.

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