Centro Canalejas Madrid: protecting and restoring unique items

Before commencing works in the project, an analysis of unique items has been a priority for Centro Canalejas Madrid (CCM). This analysis has concluded with the classification and preservation of more than 16,170 unique items in approximately 300 categories. 

Centro Canalejas Madrid has made an investment of more than two million euros in restoration tasks, exceeding five million euros if the work carried out on the buildings’ façades is taken into account. 

The façades of Centro Canalejas Madrid (CCM) are the project’s most valuable items in architectural and heritage terms. Furthermore, the buildings include a large number of unique items inside, which have all been preserved and improved, including both those protected by law and those voluntarily restored.

Façades of Centro Canalejas Madrid buildings

Canalejas,1	Alcalá, 14

Aset of Cultural Interest

The original façade dates back to 1902, and was designed by the architect Eduardo de Adaro. Neo-Renaissance style. In 1941, it was mimetically extended towards Carrera de San Jerónimo. Of interest are its ornaments.

Alcalá, 14

The original façade dates back to 1887, and was designed by the architect José Grasses Riera. It is an example of monumental eclectic architecture of the XIX Century. A floor was added in 1954.

Alcalá, 12

The original façade dates back to 1944, and was designed by the architect Manuel Galíndez. Simple and elegant. Its composition follows the adjoining façade of Alcalá, 14.

Alcalá, 10

The original façade dates back to 1943, and was designed by the architect Roberto Ochoa. Art Déco style. Of interest is the bas-relief in the lintel of the large entrance, as well as its detailed locks.

Alcalá, 8

The original façade dates back to 1904, and was designed by the architect José Urioste. Eclectic style. Of interest are the cornices and some sculptural items. It has been altered several times.

Alcalá, 6

The original façade dates back to 1974. Extension of Alcalá, 8.

Unique items inside

Alcalá, 14 – Office on the 2nd floor

The only interior room in the Canalejas buildings that remains in its original state today. Its decorative items were probably added in 1920. It will be restored in its entirety, covering plaster moldings, the chimney-mirror unit, internal and outside carpentry work and wooden flooring.

Alcalá, 14 – Trading floor (future lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel) 

Maumejean-manufactured stained glass window. Under restoration. To be relocated in the hotel lobby, and restored to its original location in the framing of the second floor. This was lost when the area was renovated in 1998, as it was transferred to the roof. Introduced in the 1945 works, with a surface area of 120 m², leaded glass and a Greek-style surrounding border. Restoration works will use antique glass and techniques of the 40’s in order for it to return to its original state. 

Marble components of the trading floor 

Green marble with brass corbels. Dismantled and preserved for later inclusion in the project.

Corinthian capitals

Corinthian capitals in welded copper, crowning the columns of the trading floor, introduced in 1945. Dismantled and restored for later integration in the hotel lobby.

Alcalá, 10 – Trellins and stainded glass window

Metal trellis in the vestibule at the Alcalá, 10 entrance. Original components in welded bronze, Art Déco style. 

Stained glass window

Stained glass window over the Alcalá. 10 trading floor. Original “Art Déco” style components. Restored for later integration into the project.

Canalejas, 1 – Inside carpentry work 

Wooden carpentry work, stained mahogany color and painted. Plant-shaped brassware. There are seven units of this kind, presumably introduced in the 1944 works. Preserved in order to be copied and used in the hotel rooms.

Pictures of restoration work 

Trellis in the vestibule at the Alcalá, 10 entrance

Stained glass window

Marble recovered and restored at Alcalá 14

During today’s visit, the following small and medium-size businesses were present:

• TALLERES INIESTO: restoration of metal components. Represented by Roberto Iniesto
• ARTEVISA: restoration of stained glass windows. Represented by Juan Pomares
• EDM (Estudio Dirección y Montaje): restoration of stone. Represented by Juan Pérez
• GRUPSA: restoration of metal ornaments (lamp posts, trusses, pinnacles). Represented by Juan Antonio Mansilla
• AMADO RAMOS: dismantling and restoration of Canalejas roof items (slate, vents and windows). Represented by Antonio Amado
• TEISA: carpentry work to restore the wooden doors. Represented by Javier Fernández

Some comments on the buildings 

• Centro Canalejas Madrid is being executed following the highest conservation standards, preserving the original buildings and their uniqueness
• The inside of the buildings reflect the use given over the last few years: they were all transformed into banking facilities and were successfully reformed, changing their initial configuration
• The former trading floor of Banesto in Alcalá, 14 will be used with its decorative items: skylight stained glass window, capitals and columns. Location of the large vestibule of the Four Seasons Hotel, along with other ornaments
• Restoration work is also being executed in valuable “Art Déco” items, stained glass windows and locks in the Alcalá, 10 building

Download pictures of Centro Canalejas Madrid

TALLERES INIESTO: restoration of metal components. Represented by Roberto Iniesto

ARTEVISA: restoration of stained glass windows. Represented by Juan Pomares

EDM (Estudio Dirección y Montaje): restoration of stone. Represented by Juan Pérez

GRUPSA: restoration of metal ornaments (lamp posts, trusses, pinnacles). Represented by Juan Antonio Mansilla

AMADO RAMOS: dismantling and restoration of Canalejas roof items (slate, vents and windows). Represented by Antonio Amado

TEISA: carpentry work to restore the wooden doors. Represented by Javier Fernández