The Engel & Völkers office in Montevideo stands out not only for its excellence in the real estate sector but also for its historic location and connection to the architectural legacy of renowned Uruguayan architect Julio Vilamajó. This iconic space, known as the Vilamajó Garden, has a rich history intertwined with the evolution of Montevideo’s urban landscape and the development of modern architecture in Uruguay.
A Glimpse into the Past
The Vilamajó Garden was designed by architect Julio Vilamajó in the 1930s at the request of engineer Víctor Sudrier, the owner of the adjacent house built in 1917. The garden, strategically located at the corner of Rambla República de México and Costa Rica Street, is a testament to Vilamajó’s innovative approach to urban landscape design. The curved dune, a distinctive feature of the garden, not only separates the private space from the street but also offers panoramic sea views and protection from the coastal breeze.
This garden had a meticulous design that integrated three main areas: the upper part of the dune, a circular space within the dune, and the area connecting the old garden with the dune. The flagstone walls consolidating the sand volume created a sense of distance from the public road and allowed for a high-altitude promenade as a lookout. Additionally, the garden featured construction details and space management that made it a masterpiece of landscaping.
Renovation and Preservation
In the early 2000s, the garden and the surrounding property experienced a period of neglect. However, a restoration project initiated in 2009 revitalized this historic space. Engel & Völkers, real estate specialists, played a crucial role in this renewal, preserving the architectural and aesthetic integrity of the place while adapting it for use as a corporate office. The restoration was overseen by the Permanent Special Commission of Carrasco and Punta Gorda and led by architect and landscaper Luis M. Carrau Urioste, ensuring that the original design elements were maintained.
During the restoration process, issues such as the overgrowth and misalignment of plants and the invasion of blowing sand, which had altered the green carpet levels and covered some construction elements, were addressed. The new owners proposed building an office building by recycling the neighboring house on the Rambla and extending it over the back of the old property of Engineer Sudrier, keeping the 1917 house and the historic garden independent. This adaptation allowed the garden to be preserved almost intact, with minor changes to the vegetative fence to integrate it with the neighboring garden without detracting from Vilamajó’s original work.
The Office Today
Today, the Engel & Völkers Montevideo office in the Vilamajó Garden not only serves as a hub for its real estate activities but also acts as a cultural and architectural landmark in the city. The company’s presence in this space underscores its commitment to heritage conservation and the integration of modern architecture into its surroundings.
Engel & Völkers has successfully turned this historic property into a functional and modern space without losing sight of its heritage value. The integration of contemporary elements and the preservation of historical features have resulted in a harmonious blend that reflects both the past and present of Montevideo. This approach benefits not only the company and its clients but also contributes to the cultural and architectural fabric of the city.
In summary, the Engel & Völkers office in Montevideo is more than just a workplace; it is a symbol of the city's rich architectural heritage and an example of how the past and present can converge harmoniously. Its history and renovation reflect the value of preserving and celebrating cultural and architectural milestones, thus contributing to Montevideo's historical and urban heritage.
Monday to Friday 10 am to 18 pm & Saturday 10 am to 14 pm