Casa Vives, Neoclassical residence in Ponce Historic Zone, Puerto Rico
Casa Vives is a two-story neoclassical house in Ponce's historic zone featuring brick and masonry construction with decorative pilasters and balconies. Commercial spaces occupy the ground floor while the upper levels contain multiple rooms designed for residential living.
Built in 1860 by architect Juan Bertoli Calderoni for merchant Carlos Vives, this residence was among the first substantial brick structures in Ponce. Its construction marked a shift in local building practices toward more durable and formal architectural techniques.
The residence reflects how wealthy Puerto Rican families of the 19th century lived and what they valued in their homes. The arrangement of rooms and decorative details show the social status and taste of the merchant family who made this their residence.
The building sits on Calle Paseo Atocha near the historic plaza and is visible from the street as you walk through the neighborhood. Since this is a protected historic property, access may be limited and visiting conditions should be checked in advance.
The residence was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013 and received the Charles E. Peterson Prize in 2017. This award recognized the quality of its restoration and its value to regional architectural history.
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