Panama, Casco Antiguo
Casco Viejo, San Felipe


Known as La Reformada back in 1917 - 21, this building was the masterpiece of Arquitect Leonardo Villanueva Meyer.  The first "skycraper" of Panama (5 floors!) had a cutting edge design on a concrete skeleton. Later on, it was the first office of the American Trade Developing Company but when the neighborhood decayed it was forgotten and destroyed.

The eagle of Plaza Herrera became the perfect nest for gangs. It got to be known in the streets as  Greyskull Castle. I guess panamanian gangs watch too much TV...

However, this gang was not to be taken lightly. They had the area terrorized, until a couple of years ago where the government created special re socialization programs and worked hard to dismember the band. With a shinning future lying ahead, Greyskull´s walls are full of modern and old history. Gang poetry in the form of graffiti on the walls, a window to their everyday lives and hopes.

Before it gets restored, this art show aims to open that window to the public, through textures, pictures and installations. I´ve been inside the castle and it´s quite an experience. I highly recommend everyone interested in the Casco not to miss this event.