An old mansion in Cojímar, built in the 1930s, is being saved from decay through a cultural project led by an Italian organization and a Cuban center. The house, which has functioned as a school and office over the decades, will now host activities for local children and artists. Last Sunday, a free children's book was launched, drawing the community with entertainment and art.
The mansion in Cojímar, east of Havana, was built in the 1930s by a man surnamed More, who owned land in the area and was the first in town to own a television, inviting neighbors to watch it. The original owners emigrated in the 1960s, leaving the property to the state. Since then, it has gone through several phases: it served as a music school, then as the Reinaldo Cruz basic secondary school from the 1970s into the 1980s, where many local youths hold fond memories. In the 1990s, it became the Arsenio Escalona elementary school, located at 31st Street and Maceo. After 2000, it closed as a school, briefly housed a community architect's office, and was left abandoned, reaching an advanced state of deterioration; part of the garage was even turned into a dwelling.
A few months ago, the Italian organization COSPE and the Cuban Centro Félix Varela took over the house for the 'Creative Zones' project, aiming to restore it and dedicate it to cultural activities for children and local artists. Although no construction materials like sacks of cement have been seen yet, the vegetation has been cleared, and activities are held on the porches and in the gardens. This Sunday, the Italian side organized the launch of a free children's book about a journey through Italy's emblematic places, while local artists participated with a clown, face painting, and origami from a Japanese book. The children had a wonderful time and left happy with their didactic Italian gift.
This initiative seeks to preserve Havana's architectural heritage and foster community culture, preventing the loss of more historic buildings.