Asunción's microcenter is experiencing a period of intense activity, with various repair and restoration works on historic properties. From the headquarters of the Cooperativa de las Fuerzas Armadas to the Recova area, teams from different companies work on facades, floors, and structures, in a movement that points to the economic reactivation of the capital's central area.
On Benjamín Constant Street, between 14 de Mayo and Paraguayo Independiente, the building of the Cooperativa de las Fuerzas Armadas is wrapped in black screens and scaffolding. The company Engineering SA, winner of the bidding process, is carrying out the restoration. Engineer Elion Ibarrola, responsible for the work, explained that the tasks include a new layer of coating and paint, as well as roof repairs and expansion. “A new coat is being applied and giving it a new color. Before it was latex paint; now we changed everything, letting the plaster breathe,” he stated. The expected completion date is November.
At the former 14 de Mayo gallery, on Presidente Franco Street, architect Francisco López is overseeing the restoration of the property, with plans for commercial use. “There are many buildings being put into condition,” said López, also highlighting the burial of electrical wiring, which “helps a lot with the visual aspect” of the area.
Tax incentives from the Municipalidad de Asunción play a central role in this process. López emphasized that “taxes in the microcenter were extremely high” and that the tax reduction, both for properties and constructions, “is a very important help from the municipality.” Ibarrola corroborated: “Restoring something old has its cost, so people don't want to do it, but perhaps with the benefit from the city hall it becomes viable.”
Ronald Salinas, head of the Cultural Heritage Department of the Municipalidad, detailed that discounts can reach 100% for single-family homes listed as heritage, provided the state of conservation is good to excellent. For alternative use, the exemption can reach 75%. “It is a way to reward good maintenance of properties,” he stated.
In addition to these points, the Palacete Duarte, on Presidente Franco and O’Leary, and the area of Armada and Recova, on Colón and Benjamín Constant, also show restoration works. In the Port region, old warehouses will house future gastronomic and entertainment spaces. Those interested in the tax benefits must present at the Comuna headquarters the resolution from the Secretaría Nacional de Cultura or the Certificate of Cultural Property, along with architectural plans, current photos of the property, and title deed.