Developers of the residential building are taking fire for violating regulations in the area.

Casco Antiguo has become the scene of many ambitious renovation projects in recent years.

Eric Batista/LA PRENSA

NON-COMPLIANCE:A project to restore a colonial-era structure in Panama’s old town defies restrictions on height and changes to historical facades.1167081

Across from the Cathedral park in San Felipe’s Casco Antiguo, a major renovation is taking place, but not all are pleased with this particular attempt at revamping the infrastructure of the old town.

According to Hildegard Vásquez, president of the Fundación Calicanto, the project, PH Plaza Independencia, “violates” the established norms on height and modifications permitted to the facade of buildings in the old city, known for its historically-preserved French colonial-style architecture, which offers a refreshing distinction from nearby Avenida Balboa's starkly contrasting NYC-influenced skyline.

Vásquez cited Decree Law No. 9 of Aug. 27, 1997, which requires developers in the area to “maintain the existing facade of the buildings.” The legal doctrine also states that "we must preserve any existing ramps in their original form,” and that “adding new stories to the front of the building, the roof is prohibited and the front should be constructed to its original tilt and form.”

Defying these regulations, a new ramp has been added to the restored structure for an underground garage, and the inclination and height of the roof have been altered to accommodate two additional floors, said Vásquez.

Charles Fitzgerald, former director of the historic heritage council for the national cultural institute (INAC), said that refurbished buildings must not exceed their original height because it contradicts the ambiance of the historic site.

Rodney Zelenka, owner of the building, commented that the project complies “with all of the permits.”

And, technically, he is correct. The plans were approved by INAC’s department of historical heritage back in August of 1999.

Vásquez is set to investigate the person responsible for approving these plans because the project did not in fact comply with the legally-established specifications.

INAC officials have yet to comment.