“Preserving does not mean immobilizing”: La Rural inaugurated a new institutional, gastronomic and cultural space in its emblematic headquarters in downtown Buenos Aires

As part of the commemorative activities for the 160 years of the institution, the event included the traditional ribbon cutting and the unveiling of the commemorative plaque, in which the former president participated Enrique Crottoand the ladies Mercedes Miguens and Dolores Biolcati

They also participated in the event Daniel ScioliSecretary of Tourism and Environment, Luis Petri, former Minister of Defense and current deputy, as well as SRA authorities, representatives of the business sector, cultural leaders and special guests. Furthermore, it was Marcos Peredacurrent vice president of the entity but distanced from Pino, and now an opposition candidate in the “Renewal with Unity” space.

During the event, the president of the Argentine Rural Society, Nicolas Pinohighlighted the recovery of the emblematic Florida 460 residence and assured that the project represents a way to preserve the institutional heritage while giving it a new projection into the future.

“Preserving does not mean immobilizing. It means finding the best way to project into the future what we received from previous generations,” said Pino.

During his speech, he recalled that a few months after assuming the presidency of the SRA, the entity moved its headquarters to the building located next to the Palermo fairgrounds. From then on, a long process began to define what to do with the historic Florida residence. “We had many twists and turns, different ideas and projects,” he said.

On that tour, Pino especially highlighted the role of Fernando Hernandeza member of the entity’s board of directors, who brought forward the proposal that ended up becoming Casa República.

The president of the Rural highlighted that, after more than a year of works, the building recovered much of its original splendor. “Today we once again see standing a space that It is part of our institutional memoryly of the city’s identity, prepared to project into the future,” he said.

Pino also highlighted the symbolic value that the property has for the agricultural entity. He recalled that for decades it was the scene of meetings, debates and decisions relevant to the history of the organization. For this reason, he assured that it generates a “deep joy” see it reborn with a proposal that preserves that legacy and at the same time gives it a new function.

One of the highlights of Casa República It will open to the public starting next July 9. The space will offer a proposal focused on Argentine gastronomy, culture, art and traditions, with a federal perspective that will seek to represent all regions of the country. For Pino, this initiative will allow new bridges to be built between the countryside, the city and society.

“We are convinced that this will be a new meeting point for Argentines and also for those who visit our country. A space where tradition and innovation will coexist, showing the best of our culture,” he said.

As indicated by the entity, the restoration included a comprehensive intervention aimed at preserving the original architectural identity of the property and adapt it to new contemporary uses. The work took more than twelve months and involved the participation of more than one hundred specialists and workers from different trades.

Among the main tasks carried out were the recovery of the historic façade, the restoration of moldings, stained glass, floors and heritage rooms, the reconstruction of the central dome, the enhancement of furniture and original pieces, and the complete renovation of the building’s facilities.

Likewise, the gastronomic proposal will be in charge of the chef Martiniano Molina and will have a restaurant, cafe and bar, with a menu inspired by Argentine flavors and made from excellent products from different regions of the country. The space will also include a private wine cellar, meeting rooms, an auditorium and a commercial proposal made up of representative brands of the national industry.

The current headquarters of the Argentine Rural Society is one of the most emblematic heritage buildings of the city of Buenos Aires, located on 460 Florida Street. As explained by the researcher in history and religion, Gerardo Di Faziowho participated in the event, was designed by the Belgian architect Jules Dormal and inaugurated in 1902 as the residence of the Peña-Blayer family. Its construction reflected the refinement and opulence of the Argentine elite at the beginning of the 20th century.

The work was promoted by Adela Blayer Villarrasa de Peña and Dr. Juan Gregorio Bautista Peña Zelaya, who actively participated in every detail of the project, from design to decoration. However, Di Fazio continued to narrate, the history of its owners was marked by brevity: Adela died the same year the palace was inaugurated and Peña Zelaya continued to live there until his death in 1908.

Among the most prominent members of the family was Julio Peña Blayer, landowner and lawyer, representative of the traditional Buenos Aires oligarchy linked to the Argentine agro-export model. Considered one of the last inhabitants of the residence before its sale, linked both to rural activity and to the most influential social circles in the country.

The expert noted that from an architectural point of view, “the building responds to French academicism, with mansards, balustrades, profuse ornamentation and a symmetrical composition.” that reflected the French taste of the Argentine upper class”.

After being acquired by the Argentine Rural Society between 1920 and 1925, the palace began to function as an institutional headquarters and, more than a century after its construction, it continues to be a symbol of the splendor of Buenos Aires at the beginning of the 20th century.

Today, known interchangeably as Palacio Peña or Residencia Peña, it still stands asor one of the last great historical palaces that are preserved on Florida Streetconstituting a tangible testimony of the time in which Buenos Aires sought to consolidate itself as a modern, elegant and cosmopolitan metropolis.