The New York Times
"In Panama, Staying True to History"
Written By: Nicholas Gill
Published: 17 October 2013 Accessed: 10 December 2013
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Brief Summary of the Article:
Several Panama City neighborhoods have become places of glass skyscrapers as you would see in Miami Beach or Dubai. The neighborhood known as Casco Viejo, the oldest part of the city, has stayed true to its historical background. A wave of gentrification in the neighborhood began in 1997 when it was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. The area's 16th and 18th century buildings are now used as cultural centers, contemporary restaurants and trendy new boutique hotels with rooftop bars. Most of the neighborhoods renovated residential buildings were renovated into apartments, the 3.5-bedroom Casa Vidal is an exception. The house dates back to 1899 and has 3,778 sq. ft. of living space and is listed for $975,000. The historic district’s strict building code required that any rebuilt stone walls, patios and staircases correspond to the house’s original layout.
Thoughts, Comments, and/or Reaction:
Many old buildings have been "updated" with the accepted look of today. Although making our towns and cities appear nicer, it also destroys historical background. Although in the area known as Casco Viejo in Panama has tried to remain true to its history. They have created rules or laws that put restrictions on certain renovations in the area.
Article's Relation to "Culture"
The article relates to culture very well in that it deals with Panama's historical cities and towns. Culture has a lot to do with background of people or places. Casco Viejo saved the background of this area of Panama City. Following the district's strict building codes, old buildings were transformed into apartment buildings while still having the appearance of the historic Casco Viejo area.
"In Panama, Staying True to History"
Written By: Nicholas Gill
Published: 17 October 2013 Accessed: 10 December 2013
Click here to access this article
Brief Summary of the Article:
Several Panama City neighborhoods have become places of glass skyscrapers as you would see in Miami Beach or Dubai. The neighborhood known as Casco Viejo, the oldest part of the city, has stayed true to its historical background. A wave of gentrification in the neighborhood began in 1997 when it was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. The area's 16th and 18th century buildings are now used as cultural centers, contemporary restaurants and trendy new boutique hotels with rooftop bars. Most of the neighborhoods renovated residential buildings were renovated into apartments, the 3.5-bedroom Casa Vidal is an exception. The house dates back to 1899 and has 3,778 sq. ft. of living space and is listed for $975,000. The historic district’s strict building code required that any rebuilt stone walls, patios and staircases correspond to the house’s original layout.
Thoughts, Comments, and/or Reaction:
Many old buildings have been "updated" with the accepted look of today. Although making our towns and cities appear nicer, it also destroys historical background. Although in the area known as Casco Viejo in Panama has tried to remain true to its history. They have created rules or laws that put restrictions on certain renovations in the area.
Article's Relation to "Culture"
The article relates to culture very well in that it deals with Panama's historical cities and towns. Culture has a lot to do with background of people or places. Casco Viejo saved the background of this area of Panama City. Following the district's strict building codes, old buildings were transformed into apartment buildings while still having the appearance of the historic Casco Viejo area.