Residencia de Suarez (Suarez Residence), Montevideo

The Presidential Residence of Suárez y Reyes is the prestigious official residence of the President of Uruguay. It is situated at the strategic corner of Suárez and Reyes streets in the Prado neighborhood of Montevideo, with the scenic Montevideo Botanic Garden at its rear. This iconic building represents not only a piece of Uruguay's architectural heritage but also a testament to its political history.

The residence’s story began in 1907 when Adelina Lerena de Fein purchased the land at an auction. The following year, the construction of a three-story house was commissioned to the young architect Juan María Aubriot, who completed the ambitious project in 1908. The building initially served as the private residence of the Fein Lerena family.

Following the demise of the original house owner, the property changed hands several times. The next significant owner was German Werner Quincke, who acquired the estate and commissioned the architect Karl Trambauer to make substantial renovations, including its distinctive tower. After the Quincke family, the property was briefly owned by the Susviela Elejalde family, who eventually surrendered their rights to the Montevideo Municipality due to financial hardships.

A twist of fate linked the property to presidential history in 1925, when Luis Batlle Berres and Matilde Ibáñez Tálice, both future significant figures of Uruguay, met while walking in front of the residence. They married soon after, and decades later, in 1947, Luis Batlle Berres became the President of Uruguay. Influenced by his wife, Batlle Berres chose this mansion as the official presidential residence. To suit its new role, the mansion underwent further renovations under architect Juan Scasso, known for designing the Centenario Stadium.

Today, the Suarez Residence remains a symbol of Uruguayan leadership, blending historical architecture with the continuous narrative of the country’s political life. Its location and its historical backdrop make it not only a residence but also a significant landmark in Montevideo’s urban and cultural landscape.