Preservation of Historical Site in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The building that once housed the La Belleza tobacco factory in Santa Cruz de Tenerife will now accommodate eleven luxury residences. As outlined in the catalogue of the General Plan for the capital of Tenerife, the façade and entrance hall will be preserved, as they are the only protected elements.
Concerns Over Historical Loss
Alberto Darias Príncipe, a professor of Art History at the University of La Laguna (ULL), believes that the historic structure can be considered “lost,” as he had hoped for its complete preservation.
In comments to EFE, Darias noted that the decision to retain the façade and the first section “is the least bad outcome.” However, he lamented that “we are left with a city that resembles merely the backdrop of a theatre, a simple stage,” arguing that the interior held significant value for preservation as well.
Expert Opinions
Previously, experts such as architect Fernando Beautell had advocated for comprehensive protection of the property located on Pérez de Rozas Street and expressed disappointment that the catalogue only considers these two elements for protection, describing this decision as “rather incoherent.”
Former Culture Councillor of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Dulce Xerach, a proponent of industrial heritage, remarked that it is often “not possible to save the entirety of such buildings, as was the case with El Tanque from the refinery.”
She views it positively that at least some elements will be preserved, “reminding us that a historically significant property once existed in that location, and that it can now serve residential purposes,” similar to old factories converted into lofts and apartments in New York.
Building Condition and Future Prospects
Regarding the old factory, she recalled that it was “quite deteriorated,” so the decision to retain the façade is indeed a positive outcome.
“We cannot expect all historical buildings to become cultural centres; what is important is that they do not lose their character and essence, and preserving the façade can significantly aid in that regard,” she stated.
She also noted that retaining the first section is significant, as it reinforces the historical essence of the building and includes the preservation of the roof.
“I am not overly critical of this action, as there was practically no other option, and at least in the future, there will be a reference to what it once was,” she commented.
Legislative Context
Additionally, she pointed out that industrial heritage was not addressed in the Canary Islands’ Heritage Law until 2019.
International Recognition
The former factory is included in the catalogue of the international entity Documentation and Conservation of buildings, sites, and neighbourhoods of the Workers’ Movement (Docomomo), which recognises the most valuable pieces of modern history and aims to promote, inventory, and protect these elements.
The corresponding document notes that it was originally located in the city’s expansion area, forming a rationalist ensemble with the now-vanished residence and gardens of its owner, along with its lateral façade, “which has left it considerably diminished.”
The building featured a central area covered by a skylight, which facilitated the various activities taking place inside.
According to Docomomo, “the symmetry of the main façade and the use of mouldings on the cornices, the clarity of the openings, and the transition between the two original façades make this building one of the most fascinating works by Gran Canarian architect Miguel Martín Fernández de la Torre.”
The construction took place between 1929 and 1930, and “both the mastery of volumetric design and the rationalist composition” render it a key piece in the architect’s oeuvre, “testifying to his maturity.”
Subsequently, the building endured a fire that severely compromised its interior, which housed some shops until it ultimately fell into a state of complete abandonment.
