- 6 minutes read‘
This impressive building in the city is known for its round façade in the heart of Barrio Parque. Many also know that there are countless stories stored inside. For example, it is said that there was a ghost that turned on the lights at night. This gazebo was designed for an eccentric family who wanted to manage a car test for a car company. This was the first commercial landing in the neighborhood’s atypical, upscale block. And it still has a double-floor armored room, which opened for the first time just 10 days ago.
The truth is that the mysteries contained in Palanti House are as cyclical as its existence. It was built by the same architect who built the Barolo Palace in 1922 and is an allegory to the Barolo Palace. Divine Comedy That different families and businessmen who lived there at different times knew how to preserve it. The faces of Dante and Beatrice remain well-remained on the gate, and also on the relief of one of the facades, which was specially built for the original owners, the Febvre family.
The Febvre family managed the car tests carried out by the dealer on the premises of the former Alcorta Palace and the former Renault Museum, from a circular perspective like the hall and some of its rooms. The construction was commissioned by Resta Hermanos, a dealer who sold Chrysler brand cars. Therefore, the Febvre family (and the other part of society, the Basse family) had a privileged view of the open-air car track, also designed by Palanti in 1928.
But today, that is history. The building was auctioned off and a premium loft complex was built in 1994, with traces of it remaining only in archival photographs. Today, the mansion’s pool is located on the former railroad tracks.
After the Febvres, the Solers arrived. The next family would enjoy this 466 square meter iconic home, wood paneling and stained glass windows. And of course, the amazing panoramic views from the observation deck that keeps the astrological Southern Cross intact. Especially in November, the lilac flowers of the jacaranda dazzle. To access it, you have to climb a narrow (0.62 centimeter) and very spiral cement staircase. But it’s worth it.
A security bunker was also left in place at Casa Redonda (commonly known as Casa Redonda), located on the corner of Eduardo Costa and Ortiz de Ocampo. What is surprising is that little or nothing was known about this armored room until restoration work for the fine dining restaurant landing revealed its mysteries. Coincidentally, the house served as the headquarters of the Iranian embassy until 1980, when Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was still in power. “It was a big challenge to come in here. This place is magical and has so many stories. It’s a protected heritage property, so we can’t change anything,” says Pablo Dayan, who is a partner with his brother Diego. He is the owner of Casa Palanti, a 100-seat restaurant, bar, and just-opened Casa Palanti.
“When I passed by the door, I was disappointed that the place was closed. Until I persuaded the owners and assured them that the restoration would respect all their requirements. They live outdoors,” Dayan said, adding more mystery to the whole thing.
The truth is that the house was put up for sale following the departure of the Iranian diplomatic mission. At the time, some figures exceeded $7 million. But neither the marble staircase nor the manicured courtyard nor the embossed iron lanterns could attract buyers. And it was closed for eight years. It was a time when ghosts, night lights, and always-closed gates fueled urban legends in the area.
Only in 2017, the heavy doors were opened again and the original shine of the floors was restored. With the arrival of the art gallery and furniture showroom promoted by Argentina Mobili, equipment from international brands such as Fendi Casa, Roberto Cavalli Home, Molteni & C, Ralph Lauren and Boca do Lobo was also installed in spaces decorated by local interior designers. Also on display were works by Luis Felipe Noé, Juan Doffo, Juan Astica and Alejandro Debonis. Photo by Sergio Castiglione.
A few years later, black iron bars closed off the house again, and it was added to the city’s architectural and urban heritage list. This structural protection, found in Act 3056, means that a pre-1941 building cannot be demolished or altered.
With this premise in mind, the Dayans took a big gamble and commissioned interior designer Emme Carranza, an expert in bar and restaurant design with their own identity, to transform the legend into a setting.
Thus, with a theatrical gesture that emphasizes architectural details, Casa Palanti debuts a new look for the fine dining restaurant that utilizes every nook and cranny except the attic and armored rooms. The bathroom also maintains its proportions, with a bathtub and the size of a studio apartment.
The garden was also salvaged, along with the original furniture designed by Palanti, which now serves as a display case for antiques. “The architecture of this house gives us everything. The key was to respect its traces,” emphasize set designers and team members Carranza and Magdalena Picco. They chose corduroy, jacquard and silk fringe fabrics to emphasize their intervention in the space, which mimics hell and purgatory.
“The big challenge was to create an unprecedented atmosphere without losing the essence of the author,” says Aimé Carranza. Juan Ventureira, on the other hand, is in charge of the menu, which he defines as 80% seasonal. “The focus is on the traceability of different producers selected from all over the country,” says the Michelin-starred chef of Mendoza’s Riscitelli Bistro.
Another find recovered from the house is a fireplace placed in the dining room by the original owners. This setting, today one of the tables has managed to change its function from heating the space to providing protection or privacy. Barely buried shelter. Open but closed at the same time. Meanwhile, the original bunker remained intact and was triangular in shape, measuring 3 x 1.5 meters. “It was just left in the service area. We understand that was the cause.” panic room The embassy at that time even had bulletproof glass in its windows,” Dayan said.
Currently, the renovation of Casa Palanti continues without losing its original structure and charm. At this new stage, it was possible to learn at least some secrets. However, most of our nation’s founding mysteries are still preserved under the Seven Keys, and it will only be a matter of time before we discover them.
About The Author
