23 March 2018
It is a unique building. Not for being an architectural jewel of the Baroque period, though it is that too. The property has been in the same family since 1770 when the Moxó family built it. The property was finally sold by the marquises of San Mori at the end of 2017 to Eduardo Rallo (a Mexican investor) for 7.3 million euros. Now it has been discovered that, after conversion by the Trias de Bes architectural studio, luxury apartments will be sold in the property by the Vivendex real estate agency.
The palace was sold in June of last year. An example of Baroque architecture, the building was classified as a Cultural Asset of Local Interest (BCIL) for the city in 2000. It quickly began generating controversy within the municipality. The building is located at 4 Plaza Sant Just, in the Gothic Quarter, became the focus of numerous conflicts due to its sale and cultural value.
Both the ERC and PdeCat demanded that the municipal government (BenComú) provide “explanations” for not considering a potential acquisition of the property through its right of first refusal, something which the owners of buildings classified as having historical interest are obliged to do. Now, the PdeCat criticises that the possibility was rejected twice, according to PdeCat, and that luxury apartments are being built on the site.
The government, meanwhile, stated that there is a limit to acquisitions through the right of first refusal since the price that the owners were requesting initially stood at 7.15 million euros. That was in December 2015, but the district of Ciutat Vella (to which the property belongs) declined to acquire the palace, stating that the purchase exceeded the district’s financial capacity and “the state of conservation of the interior was unknown,” sources within the municipal government explained.
The second occasion that the municipality rejected its right of first refusal was in January of 2017 when the price has risen to 7.33 million euros, and the district once again declined to pursue a possible acquisition.
During the last years, the palace had been used as a multipurpose space for dinners and events for aristocrats in Barcelona. The heir, Inés Moxó, currently lives in Seville, where she moved the furniture that until recently decorated the house.
The building will have up to six luxury apartments and three stores on its four floors. The main floor, measuring almost 600 m2 will be preserved intact: the architectural and decorative elements that are under the protection of cultural property will be respected. The third and fourth floors will receive five duplex apartments, all with private terraces and sizes ranging from 130 to 250 m2. The renovation, Trias de Bes estimates, will conclude in mid-2019, although the City Council still has to grant a building license to the company.
Original Story: Idealista – Natalia Bravo
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Translation: Richard Turner
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