Casa Wiechers-Villaronga, Calle Reina #106, Ponce, Ponce Municipio, PR

2015 Charles E. Peterson Prize, First Place

Significance: The Wiechers-Villaronga House is easily identifiable from different locations by its round pergola at the top of its corner bay. Delicate neoclassical bas relief details decorate its striking façade. Designed by Alfredo B. Wiechers as his own residence and studio, this house is representative of Catalan modernisme, a Spanish approach to Art Nouveau for which the city of Ponce is well-known. Casa Weicher-Villaronga is one of the structures in Ponce that still maintains wood double doors, elaborate iron grillwork, pressed tin ceilings, stained glass, and floors rich in texture and patterns. The house was built in 1912 by local mason-contractor Elías Concepción. One important feature of the house is the articulation of the façade at the corner. The curve here is due to the architect's intention to create a sense of movement, which is an important characteristic of modernismo. Also the restrictions and building codes of the time stipulated that in order to improve circulation and visibility, buildings should have a "chaflan" or beveled corner to expand the intersection.

Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: N2099

Survey number: HABS PR-139

Building/structure dates: 1912 Initial Construction

National Register of Historic Places NRIS Number: 84003151

domestic life pergolas neo classical architectural elements art nouveau architectural elements grilles pressed metal ceilings stained glass hispanic heritage cornices pilasters bas reliefs courtyards spiral stairs mosaics shutters masonry building materials ponce andrea carrion elias concepcion lilliana de jesus carolina de la cruz alexander esparolini kimberly galan eric garced alejandra gonzalez historic american buildings survey institute of puerto rican culture instituto de cultura puertorrique and 241 jose lorenzo torres waldo marte alberto martinez jonathan medina viviana mendez mario mercado museo de la arquitectura ponce and 241 museum of ponce architecture benny rodriguez jocsan rodriguez claudia rosa lopez gabriel villaronga alfredo wiechers photo ponce municipio casa wiechers villaronga calle reina neoclassicism floor layout architectural diagrams library of congress architectural plan national register of historic places

1912 - 1980

Library of Congress

https://www.loc.gov/

No known restrictions on images made by the U.S. Government; images copied from other sources may be restricted. http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/res/114_habs.html