Mercado de Abasto de Buenos Aires, public market in Buenos Aires, Argentina
The Mercado de Abasto de Buenos Aires is a large market building in Balvanera with solid classical architecture that traded fresh produce, vegetables, meat, and other foodstuffs. The structure spreads across nearly 58,000 square meters with multiple levels, separate sales and storage zones, underground refrigerated areas for perishables, and skylights that provided natural light throughout the interior.
The market building began construction in 1893 as Buenos Aires grew rapidly from European immigration, replacing an older market demolished for the Avenida de Mayo avenue. Architect Viktor Sulčič designed a new modern structure in 1934 combining Art Deco and brutalist elements using reinforced concrete and glass, marking the market's peak economic importance.
The name 'Abasto' means 'supply' and reflects the market's role in feeding the city. For many decades, it served as a gathering place where neighbors met, exchanged news, and built relationships around the daily rhythm of food shopping.
The location is centrally situated and easily accessible, especially since a subway station was connected nearby for convenient arrival. The building offers ample space for exploration with clear transitions between areas and good interior lighting to navigate different sections.
A fire in 1952 damaged parts of the building, but engineers quickly repaired it and maintained the structure for continued use. Later, in 1996, the site was transformed into a shopping center while preserving the original facade as a historic monument.
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