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Madrid Halts Lavapiés Demolition at Former Baobab Site Pending Heritage Review

City officials paused the works to examine claims the uncatalogued buildings may hold 17th-century value.

Overview

  • The mayor confirmed the city has suspended the building permit and demolition at Cabestreros 1 and 3 while awaiting the regional heritage authority’s assessment.
  • The PSOE filed a complaint with the Madrid Prosecutor’s Office requesting an urgent and immediate halt to the teardown.
  • The buildings are not listed in Madrid’s municipal protection catalog, though PSOE cites archival records indicating likely 17th-century origins.
  • Project materials describe plans to replace the site with a capsule-style hostel of more than 200 beds, developed by Urbex Arquitectura with SmartRental slated to operate it.
  • The properties sit within the BIC-designated Historic Ensemble of the Villa de Madrid, a context that could influence protection decisions.