Havana Cuba. — Another partial collapse occurred this Wednesday afternoon at number 1364 Calzada del Cerro, between Saravia and Patria (Havana). The affected property was the birthplace of the famous Cuban writer, poet and playwright Gustavo Sánchez Galarraga (1893–1934).
The incident occurred when more than half of the column that supported the remains of what was once the roof of the house portal collapsed, falling part of the remains of the roof to the portal and the column obstructing part of the avenue .
The column that supported the roof of the portal of the Sánchez Galarraga house had shown signs of structural failure for more than a year and required immediate intervention to prevent a future collapse.
A photo you had access to CubaNet shows the column forming an arch towards the public thoroughfare, evidencing the advanced deterioration of the structure. Unfortunately, the lack of intervention in this case has led to the almost total destruction of the house.
The partial collapse of the birthplace of the famous writer Gustavo Sánchez Galarraga, in the Cerro popular council, has something to tell: the maintenance of historic buildings is crucial to preserve the memory and cultural heritage of a city.
Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or human losses.
Eight days ago, CubaNet reported the collapse of the balcony of a building located on Avenida Máximo Gómez (better known as Calzada de Monte) at the corner of San Joaquín. Less than 24 hours later, after the rains, another balcony of another building collapsed right on Calzada de Monte, corner Infanta, in the central Esquina de Tejas, barely a hundred meters away.
(Photo by the author)
Gustavo Sánchez Galarraga was one of the greats of Cuban culture at the beginning of the 20th century. Among his most outstanding poetic titles are the morning fountain, the sound boat and songbook of life.
His popularity increased notably thanks to his collaboration with the composer Ernesto Lecuona, in which he composed the lyrics of songs such as Mary the O and Madrigal.
