Mystery Building to Reopen in Barrio Amon

Across from Barrio Bird headquarters sits an architectural mystery for many who pass by. Onlookers everyday stop to peer at the strange outside, wondering what possibly could have existed on the inside. We ourselves have tried to figure out the story behind the building and today we have answer-- and more, we know there is a new future in store.

This home is about 50 years old, and belonged to a Costa Rican woman who studied but did not complete architecture studies in France. She returned and built this ecclectic home. It's last public foray was as a design exhibition. Multiple artists created different environments in each room, making this already labyrinth even more crazy as you wonder from room to room. After sitting empty for years, some of the design elements are still surreally intact.

The building has just been bought by Belgiums and future plans are undisclosed but a hotel is a likely option with restaurant possibilities. This building's renovation will absolutely be an additional cultural anchor in the ever revitalizing Barrio Amon, San Jose.

Take a look inside!

Entire room was purple and silver.

Note all of the curving walls in this room. 

Remnants of design show

Wood beams with red and white walls

Purple wall with giant mirror. This is like stepping into an amusement park.

More of purple wall.

Different room, all black with mirrors on the walls

And mirrors on the ceiling

This room seems like something out of Barcelona.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona???

Aztec 'ish', this house is so crazy!

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867.

What's New to See in San Jose After the Rain

While the rainy season reached it's height, workers still pushed forward on rehabbing some more downtown architectural delights. In addition another public mural was redone after having been marred with graffitti and political posters. Enjoy the photos.

Mom & Child Mural. Often women are depicted with child at breast here in Costa Rica. 

And the men get to work........

A favorite of many, this house previously had beautiful vines growing all over. Not sure what the future is.

The Center for Costa Rican Film is located here, going from grey to pink. Not sure why the color change, think the only justification is to restore back to it's original color.

A delightful change to this old hotel that was worsening in appearance.  Hoping there will be new hotel use on top floor. Bottom is full of shops.

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867.

Inside a Secret Mansion in Downtown San Jose

It's impossible to walk by this architectural marvel, crumbling right before your eyes, and not want to know it's story, to rescue it, to see it live again. This beautiful and mysterious building is Casa Jiménez. Built in 1905 it was designed by it's original owner, lawyer and diplomat Manuel Francisco Jiménez Ortiz. It is one of the only remaining Art Nouveau style buildings in the city, and it's a feature on our walking tours. 


The building is currently under disputed ownership, or rather it's stuck in court. It is on the Ministry of Culture's protected Heritage list and therefore its architectural integrity must be maintained in remodeling, but at this point, it simply needs to be saved.


Barrio Bird did have the chance to sneak inside and snap some photos. Here is a look inside the torn apart building, as well as a photo of it's original glory. 

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867.

Downtown Architecture & Urban Planning Update

There are several new and exciting developments to report on downtown. 


Outside Complete: I wrote a few months ago about the building that is across the from La Marinita. The outside is basically complete. This building now really stands out as a must see in downtown. Plans for the building aren't firm, but a possible bar/restaurant might open on the bottom with some residential space on top. 

New Paint: The Girl's School on Ave. 4 has been undergoing much renovation and it appears a new paint job will soon be under way.  This particular corner boasts one of my favorite views in the city on a clear day. You can look down at Iglesia de la Soledad and get beautiful mountain views in all directions. 

Ugly Fence: This historic home sits on Ave. 7. Almost 100 years old, it is of Victorian influence and was built by a Spanish merchant. It's architecture represents much of what was found throughout Barrio Amon in the early 20th century. Unfortunately, a taller gate has been added with razor wire on top for security, really detracting from the original beauty of the home. We'll see what else develops at this home. 

325 New Trees!! I also previously wrote about Barrio Escalante's new Urban Plan. A first step towards completing this plan was the planting of 325 new trees throughout the neighborhood. A variety of species were added to serve as homes to birds and butterflies, provide a variety of color with different blossoms, and to hopefully create the first carbon neutral neighborhood in the country. Is there a carbon neutral neighborhood in your country?? The species of trees planted include; palo verde, árbol de fuego, cortés negro, choreque, roble sabana, guachipelín, dama, manzanita y palmera real. I can't wait to take a new stroll through this neighborhood. Maybe we'll do a plant/architecture tour!

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867