Former Caja de Ahorros y Monte de Piedad

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Architecture · Subcategory: Civil architecture · Year: 1929 · Authors: Domingo Pisaca Burgada

The first unsuccessful attempt to create a savings bank aimed at the popular classes of Tenerife dates back to 1861. In 1893 it was tried again, but it failed once more. Finally, in 1908 the Caja de Ahorros y Monte de Piedad was definitively founded, opening its first office three years later on Carmen Monteverde street at the corner of Juan de Padrón. It remained there until 1929, when the entity moved to the building we now discuss, a legacy of Enrique Pérez Soto, as stated on the façade itself.

Designed by the architect Domingo Pisaca, the building was intended for offices on the lower part and residences above. To house the bank offices, the technician used a large space featuring striking furniture carved in mahogany wood and designed by himself. On the exterior, the façade is divided into two sections: the first two floors, intended for banking services, follow a horizontal rhythm; while the rest, intended for private use, has a clearly vertical line.

The expansion of the Canary Islands Parliament's premises included this building in the complex dedicated to the institution, with the interior being almost entirely refurbished.

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