With the entry of the 20th century, the growth of the Havana downtown is the urban response to the demographic pressure; in this zone the small bourgeoisie of Hispanic origin was based as well as the emerging urban proletariat mixed with rural immigrants, and the deterioration of the constructions started when the old houses become into plots and lots.

As contrast, the expansion of trade projected a multiplication of its facilities by Neptuno and San Rafael Streets and the Calzadas de Reina, Galiano and Balascoaín circuit.

In the 50s there were built the first apartment buildings. Many colonial construction were renovated and adapted for different uses, boasting in it an architectural overlapping of historical value. 

This way, there was shaping all the urban structure that has come to the our days, showing the evolution of tha Havana City, holder of valuable properties that are part of the constructed patrimony.  

Source: Site of the Culture Office - Municipality of Havana Center