El Edificio Kavanagh

El Edificio Kavanagh (The Kavanagh Building) is an apartment tower that overlooks Plaza San Martin. Once the tallest reinforced concrete building in South America, it stands 120 meters tall with 32 floors and 105 apartments. It was also the first building in Buenos Aires to have air conditioning.

Commissioned by Corina Kavanagh and completed in 1935, she invested most of her wealth into its construction. At the time, the building was considered a benchmark for modern architecture and remains a shining example of Art Deco at its best. The 14th floor, occupied by Corina Kavanagh, is the only apartment in the building to occupy an entire floor and offers a 360-degree view of the city.

In 1999, the Kavanagh Building was named a National Historic Landmark.

Why check out the Kavanagh Building?

If you appreciate architecture, you may find the Kavanagh Building of interest. As the building is private, it can only be viewed from outside, but that is probably the best way to see it. There is plenty of green space opposite where you can relax and admire the building. Close by are other landmarks and places of interest including Torre de los Ingleses and Calle Florida Shopping Street.

Did you know?

It is said that Corina Kavanagh wanted a skyscraper because her daughter’s engagement was blocked by the wealthy family of her boyfriend. The family lived in a palace across Plaza San Martin and owned the church next to the Kavanagh Building site. Corina had the building constructed to block the view of the church from the palace.

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