CubaPLUS Magazine

The work was a great sensation at the time, due to its technological novelty and marked the beginning of tall apartment buildings. in the capital of the Island.

A curious fact, that few know, is that it owes its name to the Association for the Promotion of Works and Construction, Sociedad Anónima (Focsa), which executed it. The projection group was led by engineer Luis Sáenz Duplace and architect Ernesto Gómez Sampera.

At the time of its completion, in the middle of the 20th century, this building was the second made with reinforced concrete that exceeded the height of 18 floors by having 36 floors and reaching 121 meters above ground level.

In its conception, it was intended to function as a housing unit, in which there would be all the necessary services for its tenants. It has a peculiar design, in the shape of a 'Y' and occupies the area of ​​an urban block.

Its structure consists of three fundamental parts: the first, houses radio and television studios, shops, restaurants and an advertising agency. The second, lodges luxurious apartments of three and four

Bedrooms, while the top is a restaurant, La Torre (The Tower).

The second part lodges luxurious apartments of three and four bedrooms, and the top floor is a restaurant, La Torre (The Tower). This construction is one of the cultural icons of Havana and Cuba in general.

Its maintenance has required interventions on several occasions. The constant care and preservation of the property earned Focsa the Architecture Prize in 2005, awarded by the National Union of Architects and Construction Engineers of Cuba (UNAICC).