Edificio Kavanagh, Buenos Aires

The Edicifio Kavanagh is one of the first skyscrapers in Buenos Aires and has become an iconic landmark of the city. It became one of the city’s National Historic Monuments in 1999.

The Edificio Kavanagh was built between 1934 and 1936. The skyscraper was commissioned by a wealthy heiress Corina Kavanagh who invested her entire inheritance in the construction of the building. The design was by architects, Gregorio Sanchez, Ernesto Lagos and Luis Maria de la Torre. The architectural style was modernist art deco and the structure has a towering form with gradual reductions. It is 120 meters high with 29 floors and 150 residential apartments. Corina Kavanagh lived in the largest apartment that occupied the entire 14th floor for many years. The American Institute of Architects gave their prestigious award for the design of the building in 1939.

When the Edificio Kavanagh was completed it was the highest structure made of reinforced concrete in the world. It was also the tallest building in South America and remained the tallest for many years. All the apartments were fitted with state of the art amenities including modern plumbing and electrical fittings. The upper floors have terraced gardens with spectacular views of Buenos Aires, the river and city parks.