No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchiveSaving History: A Fight Against Time, Indifference Suggestions from Citizens Are Taken...

Saving History: A Fight Against Time, Indifference Suggestions from Citizens Are Taken Seriously

Barva, Heredia Province, and the House ofCulture in Heredia.Since 1997, the center has held anannual competition called “Saving OurPatrimony” to choose a building to bedeclared national patrimony and receivefunds for its restoration and maintenance.THE most common way a building isconsidered for patrimony status is throughsuggestions from average citizens. Anyonecan make a suggestion to the center simplyby calling the offices and providing themwith information about the proposed place;sending them a fax, or bringing a writtensuggestion to their offices in the NationalCenter of Culture (CENAC) in San José, onCalle 11, Ave. 3/7.Although not every suggestion getsserious consideration, almost all are atleast visited by members of the center.“When we get a suggestion from a citizen,we are compelled by law to look into it,”Vives said, “and although we may not lookinto every one of them because of a lack ofhuman resources, we cover most of them.”To make a suggestion, call 223-2533 or255-3523, or fax 256-4891.Vives said that fortunately, not everyowner of a historic building is eager to tearit down. Actually, a lot of owners are willingto help with their buildings’ preservationif they have the money, or to look forhelp if they don’t.“MANY owners of buildings thathave been declared patrimony not onlycomply with the regulations, but also try toimprove it if they can,” Vives said.An example of this is Pasaje Cristal inthe Caribbean port city of Limón, a historicbuilding being repaired and restored entirelywith private funds. In these cases, thecenter assists the owner in matters such asregulations to follow, changes that can andcannot be made, and steps to follow duringthe restoration process.When the property is a public institution,it is restored and maintained usingfunds assigned to the center, which canalso use donations from other public institutionsand private groups.Since several changes to historic buildingsthat have been declared patrimony areregulated by law and require permits fromthe MCJD, owners are sometimes baffledby what they are and aren’t allowed to dowithout the intervention of the authorities.“MINOR reparations such as changinga broken window don’t require a permit,but if you need to do something big, suchas tear down a wall, or change the roof,then permits will be required,” Vives said.Interested owners can also obtain amanual with recommendations for the conservationof real estate that has beendeclared patrimony. Although the manualdoes not detail which situations requirepermits and which don’t, it has someimportant guidelines and useful information.Other important achievements that benefitpatrimony owners include an agreementwith the National Insurance Institute (INS)to cover their property, and an agreementwith the Banco Nacional to facilitate creditfor financing the restoration and maintenanceof property projects. The center hasinformation about both plans.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Surf Film Festival Honors ‘Pura Vida Bodysurfing’ with Top Audience Award

Pura Vida Bodysurfing is an award-winning short film that strips surfing back to its essence—riding waves without a surfboard. Filmed across Costa Rica’s legendary...

Prisma Dental in Costa Rica Keeps Customers Happy and Smiling

I am 81 years old and have had teeth removed, bridges, and cavities fixed several times to sustain my ability to eat and function....

Fishing, Wildlife, and History in Costa Rica’s Barra del Colorado

Costa Rica’s Barra del Colorado is a magical and charming town. It’s one of the country’s hidden gems, best known for its world-class sport...

Costa Rica’s Pride March 2025 Defies Restrictions and Celebrates Diversity

A large crowd gathered in Paseo Colón, San José, to participate in the LGBTIQ+ Pride March 2025. It began at noon, as people marched...

U.S. – Guatemala Security Pact Targets Crime and Helps Returning Migrants

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem signed a border security cooperation agreement with Guatemala on Thursday, which includes the use of drones and...

Costa Rica Pushes USA to the Brink but Falls in Penalty Heartbreak

If you just caught the end of the USA vs. Costa Rica Gold Cup quarterfinal, you probably feel like you need another cup of...
Avatar
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica