The São Carlos building, in Lisbon, was built before the 1755 earthquake and renovated by Vogue Homes in a project that stands out as an incomparable example of success in revitalizing Chiado. In addition to bringing back a valuable historical and cultural heritage, the intervention offers exceptional housing areas and differentiated shops on the ground floor, attracting an elegant and cosmopolitan dynamism. (...)
The National Prize for Urban Rehabilitation is an initiative that distinguishes urban interventions that contribute most to the qualification of cities and to the well-being of the community in various aspects. Created by Vida Imobiliária and Promevi, the award assesses the success of interventions through market acceptance, their social value, their impact on the community, and ability to induce changes in the urban fabric.
The São Carlos building, in Lisbon, predates the 1755 earthquake and, after its reconstruction, became an important landmark of Belle Époque architecture. The Chiado area was, unfortunately, abandoned during the second half of the 20th century, resulting in the deterioration of its historical and cultural heritage. In recent decades, Chiado has been reborn with fervor and the restoration of this building is an exceptional example of the revival of what was once the epicenter of culture in Lisbon in the 19th century.
The ground floor will receive a differentiated commercial space, promoting a new social and commercial dynamic, in perfect balance with the housing component of the remaining floors of the building. This intervention went far beyond the legal requirements for urban rehabilitation and will certainly serve as a reference and inspiration for future quality investments in the area. The disruption created by its incomparable quality and large housing areas will itself bring new disruptions that will perpetuate themselves, helping to combat the mischaracterization, trivialization and loss of quality that are so difficult to counter in any cosmopolitan metropolis.
The restoration of the São Carlos building was a challenge associated with a huge responsibility, of which Vogue Homes has always been aware. It respects the past, fills the present and secures the future.
