One of the most emblematic buildings in Havana promises to shine again with perhaps more splendor. The 500 years of the city are the perfect justification for architects and workers to work tirelessly in the Central Railway Station, a property that will exhibit modern salons and new features, while defending its most authentic heritage values ​​that make it National Monument.

The Central Railway Station of Havana was erected in 1912 on the grounds of the Old Royal Arsenal of Havana, where war line vessels were built at the time.

In the exchange of the lands of the old Arsenal with those of the Villanueva Station, described in its time as "the change of the cow for the goat", the United Railways committed to build a new and worthy Station for the capital, as well as to make the entrance by elevated so as not to hinder the circulation of the automobile traffic.

This building, with its impressive architecture, confirms the importance acquired by a city that since the second half of the 19th century is a city in clear expansion and modernization: the cobblestones reach their streets, the gas lamps are the main part of street lighting since 1862, year in which the first telegraphic line was installed and in 1867 the submarine cable that allows international communication was laid.

For the construction and operation of the terminal, a company was established in the United States, called The Havana Terminal Co, registered in Kittery, Maine, in order to provide adequate terminal facilities and establish in Havana "a modern station, warehouses and other services".

To return the light

In its 107 years of history, the most important railway terminal in the country has been intervened only twice. The poor state of construction of their establishments led to the start of the transfer of some of their operations to other locations in 2015 and since 2016 their maintenance officially begins.

A team of engineers, architects and specialists from the ministries of construction and transport, together with the Office of the Historian of the city, have carried out the project that will recover a construction considered a national monument. The architect Ahmed Gómez Cabrera said that among the main objectives of the restoration is "respect all the heritage values ​​that the building has."

"The project was divided into two stages concerning repairs and rehabilitation. At first, elements of the roof, the facades, the blacksmith shop, the veneers of the marble walls and the floors, as well as the exterior carpentry, were rescued.

It is important to know that in these 107 years only the terminal has been intervened twice, but never to the degree that it is done today. One was in 1960, when elements were added to the building, and another in the 1980s, when the roof, façade and carpentry were worked on, "architect Ahmed Gomez Cabrera told Cubadebate.

According to the specialists, due to the little maintenance that was given to the installation during its operation, the property presented very bad conditions, making it impossible even faster in the works that are being executed today due to the danger of collapse.

"Given this scenario has given different technical solutions to the building to try to save the existing and not lose the heritage that is hoarded here. It has worked intensely in the stabilization of the two towers of the building to which they put a steel structure inside to give it greater strength, "said Gomez Cabrera.

The specialist also acknowledged that the most complex in the intervention is the facade, "which demanded a large technical solution because its original construction was handmade. This is made up of an interior brick wall covered with ceramic elements ".

The difficult process of restoration of these elements together with the delay of arrival of some essential materials for the execution of the work has caused it to be about a hundred days behind schedule.

"The delay is due to the import of resources for the stabilization of the north tower - steel - as well as other inputs of the façade. Today a double shift is being worked on, more fronts of work are opened without violating the established to reduce the deadlines and to be able to deliver the building when Havana meets its 500, the engineer assured.
Modernity airs

If you were one of those who frequented the old railroad terminal in Havana, you will not be able to recognize the installation in the following images. The winds of renovation that are currently being planned include new rooms, floors, passenger services and furniture to ensure comfort.

Modern shops, cafeterias, parking, hanging clock, electric stairs, lights, and elements of glassware will give multifunctionality and beauty to this architectural jewel already centenary.

"The two higher levels will be for the offices of the Union of Railways, in the second level would be located a commercial level provided with different stores as is normal in all stations worldwide. While the first level will be dedicated to the activity of transportation, "explained the architect Ahmed Gómez Cabrera while teaching some of the models of the brand new building.

It will also have modern communication systems with WIFI. In addition, a terrace linked to the upper floor will be created to the last waiting room or confirmed ticket- much larger than the previous one that existed and which will be outside the central lobby of the building-.

"What existed did not meet the standards for passenger frequency. It has a capacity of more than 16 thousand passengers per day. All climate, electricity and information systems will be modernized so that passenger service is the ideal. In the case of the platforms all the steel was restored but the storm system became completely new. The platforms 1 and 2 will be the longest, "said the specialist.

The multifunctionality of the Central Station will be consolidated with different platforms for long and short distance trains.

The work is associated with the recovery and modernization of the national rail system. Within this effort is also the repair of lines, the extension of branches and the acquisition of passenger cars.

Source: Cubadebate

Images: Irene Perez

Editor: Digital Writing Havana 500