Casa Palazuelo, the emblematic building designed by Antonio Palacios at number 4 Calle Mayor, is preparing for a new phase as a luxury hotel. Until now it was destined for commercial purposes and offices and with this new Special Plan it will be incorporated into the hotel sector.
The project has been promoted by Lituanas S.L.U., the majority owner of the property, and has been approved by the Madrid City Council’s Governing Board. According to Inma Sanz, spokeswoman of the consistory, it will be guaranteed that the new use will allow to maintain the heritage value and the original characteristics of the building, as announced after the meeting of the Board on October 30.
A large hotel
Casa Palazuelo has a built area of 7,544 square meters and two facades, one facing Calle Mayor and the other facing Calle del Arenal. The space is distributed over two basement floors, a mezzanine, a first floor with access to both streets, five main floors, an attic with terraces and a roof floor.
Under the new plan, the premises on the first floor will be kept as a complementary use, while the rest will form an exclusive hotel. In this way, the council intends to guarantee the preservation of the building, eliminate negative impacts and improve the diversity of quality accommodation in the city.
A protected building
This work by Antonio Palacios was built between 1919 and 1921, on the site of the palace of the Counts of Oñate. From the beginning it was conceived as a commercial house for stores, offices and offices, as the architect himself mentions in the memory of the building.
Its design is inspired by American buildings and the central stained glass window, which illuminates the entire lobby and generates a play of light, is especially noteworthy. In 1977 it was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest as a Monument and at the end of the 1990s it was included in the category of the “Recinto Villa de Madrid” Historic Complex.
Maintaining the essence
In addition, the Palazuelo House is part of the Catalogue of the General Plan of Protected Buildings of the Madrid City Council, with level 1 protection and singular grade. Therefore, even if the new Special Plan converts the building into a hotel, the protected elements must be restored and the characteristics of the building must be maintained, following the city’s urban planning regulations.
The reform was admitted for processing on July 30, 2024 and, after the approval of the Governing Board on October 30, the file will be submitted to public information for one month. It will be published in the Official Gazette of the Community of Madrid and, during this period, allegations to the plan may be presented. Once this process has been completed, the Special Plan will be ready for final approval and subsequent execution.