T II E C U B A It E V I E W 



13 



(irand Stair\va\ 



NEW PRESIDENTIAL PALACE 



This Iniilding, A\iiich is constructed entirely of white native limestone, somewhat 

 on the lines of a French chateau, with all floors of marble, was designed by a Belgian 

 architect and begun in 1914, being originally intended as the capitol of the ProA-ince 

 of Havana. Before completion, however, arrangements were made hy the National 

 government to take over the building and the necessary changes were made to adapt 

 it to its present uses. There has been considerable miavoidable delay in finishing 

 the building and its fittings, due to the al)norraal war conditions, but the final touches 

 are now being made and it is the intention to hold the annual Presidential New Year's 

 reception in the Palace. 



The edifice comprises four floors and has in addition a roof garden. It occupies 

 a whole block, being bounded by Monserrate, Colon, Zulueta and Refugios streets, 

 the main entrance looking toward the Morro and Punta fortress. This vieAV is at 

 present obstructed by some old governmeiit buildings, which, however, will soon be 

 torn down and their site converted into a handsome park, thus making an uninter- 

 rupted vista from the Palace stretching away to the harbor entrance. 



Upon entering, the visitor's attention is immediately attracted by the grand 

 stairway, V)uilt entirely of marl^le, ti)gether with artistic bronze lamp-posts with their 

 corresponding lights. The main floor is taken up by the general offices, store rooms, 

 quarters for the Palace guard, garage, etc. 



The ballroom, which is also the official reception room, is located at the north 

 end of the second story, running almost its entire length. The floor is covered with costly 

 French rugs and on the ceiling appear allegorical paintings executed liy Culnin artists. 



