Salvatori on the Square
March 23, 2005
Against the flat backdrop of Port of Spain in the early 1960's, Salvatori Building would have stood out like a skyscraper despite being fewer than ten storeys tall. Located on the corner of Frederick Street and Independence Square, and built on the site of the Salvatori Drygoods Store which had been destroyed by fire in 1958, Salvatori Building was once one of the most sought after addresses in downtown Port of Spain, housing offices of prestigious oil companies and Government Ministries.
The building, now Government-owned, was abandoned several years ago and has been left to the ravages of looters and vandals. What was once the pride of Port of Spain has become a public eyesore and an absolute waste of real estate.
Recently plans were announced to demolish the building to make way for a new 19-storey complex. Demolition is due to begin in March 2005.
Update: In answer to Andréas' question, there are windows. See the updated note on this closeup photo for details.
I wonder how Salvatori was allowed to fall into such a state of disrepair in the first place, given its prime location. In any case, let's hope that its replacement appears without too much delay, once the old Salvatori Building is gone.
Can you give me the exact date of the fire in 1958?
Is it an effect of the shot or is there really no windows on this building?
I like the sepia tone of that shot, it doesn't look like so much of an eye soar when it is presented like that!
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