San Sebastián Apartments

Since the 1980s, ROSSILUGO Architecture has been deeply engaged in the preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of historic structures throughout Puerto Rico and Latin America. Our work in heritage architecture began in 1984, when the restoration of a Spanish Colonial residence on O’Donnell Street in Old San Juan received a Design Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). In 1991, our proposal for the Revitalization of the Historic Center of Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela won First Prize, followed by the Infill Housing Project for the Historic Center in 1993, which received the “Manuel Centurión” Award. Architect Fernando Lugo was later commissioned by the State Government to draft preservation and rehabilitation ordinances for Ciudad Bolívar’s historic district. Since then, we have continued to work on landmark restorations, including: Blanche Kellogg Institute, Santurce – restored as part of the Ciudadela mixed-use development. Teatro Paramount, Santurce – façade preservation and complete interior renovation into a 900-seat theater with a new auxiliary building. Fideicomiso de Conservación de Puerto Rico Headquarters, Old San Juan – adaptive reuse of the Antiguo Banco Español building integrating LEED Silver–aspiring sustainable features such as a green roof, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient systems. San Cristóbal Apartments, Old San Juan – low-income housing rehabilitation developed under the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and local preservation regulations. San Sebastián Apartments, Old San Juan – full rehabilitation of ten historic buildings with 25 housing units, emphasizing long-lasting materials, fire safety, and non-invasive structural reinforcement. Across all these projects, our approach balances heritage conservation with contemporary functionality—preserving cultural continuity while revitalizing historic environments for modern use.