Among the most iconic structures in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the Simon building stands out as both noteworthy and somewhat overlooked. Many passersby fail to recognise its significance, yet it epitomises the historicist architecture from the 1930s. This Simon building is a true gem of Tenerife’s capital.
Designed by architect Antonio Pintor y Ocete in 1930, the Simon building exemplifies the dominant architectural style of the era. Its prime position between the square and the eponymous street quickly established it as a key feature of the urban landscape in Santa Cruz.
Constructed under the guidance of Bernardino Simón Beagay, after whom the building is named, the design was influenced significantly by Simón’s vision, as Antonio Pintor y Ocete was not in favour of the historicist style, according to the blog artyarchitectura.wordpress.com. Ultimately, Simón’s preferences, greatly shaped by Hindu culture, prevailed.
Rapid construction was crucial, as the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council viewed the building as a solution to the pressing unemployment issue at that time. By November 1931, the Simon building had materialised, despite the project violating municipal regulations due to the narrowness of Candelaria street in that period.
The building gleams anew
Following its ownership by Maya and later by CajaCanarias, the Simon building became part of the portfolio of the Ideal Group, owned by Shyam Aswani. After significant investment, the building was restored to its former glory.
The rehabilitation of the Simon building, after years of neglect, proved to be a formidable undertaking. The property exhibited substantial deterioration, requiring the reconstruction of various ornamental elements in accordance with the original 1930 plans. This thorough restoration process enabled the building to regain its original magnificence, preserving its historical and architectural significance.
In 2023, AMV Constructions undertook an extensive renovation and interior redesign of the premises. Guided by designer Miguel Valladares Rodríguez Franco, a seamless blend of preserving historical facades while modernising internal spaces was achieved. The project involved fortifying the facades with a metal framework and standardising the heights of the new floors. Furthermore, the ground-floor shop fronts were reimagined, integrating marble and mulberry wood in a combination of materials that beautifully enhances the property’s aesthetic appeal.
The meticulous reconstruction of wooden carpentry, floral locks, and other decorative features, along with the elegant facade covered with Macael marble, bestow a renewed and distinguished presence within the urban landscape of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
