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Palacete La Belle Epoque 1914
Avenida Tibidabo is one of the most iconic and exclusive streets in Barcelona and in Spain. Since its inception in 1899, when the visionary pharmacist Dr. Salvador Andreu acquired land on its hill to build a luxury garden city, the avenue has witnessed an unparalleled historical and architectural evolution in the city.
History of Avenida Tibidabo:
Avenida Tibidabo, a significant thoroughfare, begins at Passeig de Sant Gervasi, in Plaza John F. Kennedy, and ends at Plaza Doctor Andreu, right at the foot of the Tibidabo funicular.
The urbanisation known as Garden City was promoted by the partners of the venture "S.A. El Tibidabo", with Dr. Andreu being the main driver of this project. Established on February 20, 1899, this firm managed to gather the necessary capital to purchase the land plots from the Cayol family, heirs of Frare Blanc (Asador de Aranda), with the aim of developing the area. Avenida Tibidabo stands as the central axis of this urbanization, charting a direct course towards the summit of Tibidabo. Its inauguration on October 23, 1901, featured the launch of the tram and funicular, projects led by engineer Marià Rubió i Tudurí, who was the brother of the architect responsible for the new construction of Frare Blanc and father of Nicolau M. Rubió i Tudurí, a prominent architect and landscape gardener. Initially known as Frare Blanc, due to its location on land plots belonging to the Dominican order, the avenue did not adopt its current name until after its inauguration. It was later named Passeig del Funicular on March 23, 1906, was called Avenida Doctor Andreu until 1931, and finally took the name Avenida Tibidabo on December 20, 1979, in honor of the highest peak of the Collserola mountain range.
From its inception at the end of the 19th century by Dr. Salvador Andreu, Avenida Tibidabo has been synonymous for opulence and exclusivity. Located on the sloping hillside of Tibidabo, it was conceived as a luxury garden city. During the early years of the 20th century, the Barcelona bourgeoisie, eager to showcase their wealth and status, built impressive mansions along this avenue. The "Tramvia Blau," inaugurated in 1901, added a picturesque and practical touch, connecting the area to the city center. Although its service was suspended in 2018, there remains a collective desire for its return, especially to mark its 125th anniversary in 2026.
History of Palacete La Belle Epoque 1914
Constructed in 1914, the Palacete La Belle Epoque stands as one of the magnificent mansions that were built on Tibidabo Avenue during the early years of the 20th century. This period, known as the end of La Belle Epoque, was a time of peace and prosperity in Europe that significantly influenced art and architecture just before the start of World War I. In Barcelona, this cultural atmosphere fostered an environment where the most influential families of the Barcelona bourgeoisie commissioned imposing mansions designed by renowned architects.
Architect Josep Pujol i Brull, known for his modernist buildings in Igualada and Sitges, was responsible for designing this mansion. However, for this project, he was inspired by the Parisian models, Neoclassical French architecture in vogue at that time, reflecting the influence of the 1888 Universal Exposition in Barcelona. One of the most distinctive features is its dome with slate scales, balustrades, vases, and classicist wave breakers.
The original license was not found, but it has been graphically documented through images from the 1914 Tibidabo Cup, the 1917 Architecture & Construction Magazine, and the 1918 Yearbook of the Architects' Association. Like most buildings in the new garden city urbanization, it began as a summer house.
The project is attributed to the architect, draftsman, and artist Josep Pujol Brull (Cornellà, 1871 - Alella, 1936), commissioned by his brother-in-law, the developer and owner Mr. Joan Llusà i Duran, son of the merchant and shipowner Joan Llusà i Puig.
Later, on September 23, 1918, a construction license for the addition of a rear wintergarden was documented, signed by the architect Arnald Calvet i Peyronil (Barcelona, 1874 - 1956) for a new owner, Ramon Rosés i Feliu (+ 1921), who came from the metallurgy and cotton industry. A request from him in February 1919 for the subdivision of Torrent Maduixer and the construction of a garage on León XIII Street is also known.
From at least 1948 to 1963, the property owner was Jaime Corbera Puñet, who requested the plastering of a fence wall facing Romàn Macaya. A project for the construction of a new building for housing, prior to demolition, is also on record.
By 1981, Mr. Marino Todolí Luque is listed as the owner, who led a project for the consolidation of a framework (arcade) and the construction of a retaining wall, as well as the demolition of the existing building for a new house and garage on an area to be consolidated of 800 m². It was necessary to demolish and rebuild the fence.
The property was sold in 09/21 to the local firm Damara Ibérica S.L.U. Its joint administrator, Mr. Alexander-Philipp Scheffler, along with the catalan architect Joan Puig-Pey, dedicated significant financial resources and time to its reconstruction, rehabilitation, and high-quality-restoration, with the aim of turning it into what is known today as "Palacete La Belle Epoque 1914". This single-family residential building, believed to have been constructed around 1914 originally as a summer residence, as previously mentioned, was designed by architect Josep Pujol Brull. In this work, he diverges significantly from the Modernism he practiced in some houses in Igualada and Sitges; here, we see a Parisian inspiration, especially in the slate shingle dome tower. The ornamental character with balustrades, vases, classical pediments crowning the openings, and the wrought iron and ornamental vases of the entrance and gate are highlighted.
Restoration and Current Use In 2021, the company Damara Ibérica acquired the mansion and in 2023, after an extensive restoration process led by Alexander-Philipp Scheffler, its original splendor was restored, even improved. This process involved the conservation of original elements, as well as the modernization of certain areas to adapt them to their new use. Currently, the mansion houses the Higher Institute of Law and Economics (ISDE) in Barcelona and is the social headquarter of the Jaguar Club Barcelona and the Neighborhood Association of Avenida Tibidabo. This reuse represents an effort to keep the distinguished cultural and educational legacy of the area alive.
Related Instagram links:
@palacetelabelleepoque1914
@asveavtibidabo
@jaguarclubbarcelona
@isdeuniversity