The building is one of the few surviving examples of the architectural style of the first half of the 20th century in the Bella Vista neighborhood, an area that has lost many of its iconic homes due to real estate development.
What's next in the process? After its unanimous approval in the Commission on Education, Culture, and Sports, the project moves to a decisive stage. The next step is the second debate, which will be held in the plenary session of the National Assembly. If it obtains a majority, it will move to a third debate, where a final review and a more expedited vote will be conducted. If approved, the proposal will be sent to the President of the Republic, who can sanction it — if they agree — or veto it, either for considering it unconstitutional or inconvenient. In the latter case, the project would return to the National Assembly. In this phase, deputies will analyze the document article by article and may propose amendments. Subsequently, the initiative will be put to a vote.
The headquarters of the Alliance Française could be declared a national historical and cultural heritage. The initiative is contemplated in Bill 547, which seeks to conserve this building, located in the Bella Vista district, and protect it from any changes that could modify or interfere with its cultural or architectural value.
With the unanimous backing of the Commission on Education, Culture, and Sports, the project—which also protects the so-called 'White House'—has overcome key stages in the Legislature and was approved in the first debate. The proposal, presented by Deputy Paulette Thomas, aims to elevate the former Heurtematte residence to the rank of a national monument, ensuring its technical conservation and prohibiting any future attempts at demolition.
The modernity growing in Panama City has been displacing history and leaving old buildings behind. The cultural heart of Bella Vista is one step away from becoming untouchable. This way, it is guaranteed that the property will endure over time and will only be the subject of properly regulated restorations and maintenance. Any intervention must be supervised by the National Directorate of Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture, in order to ensure it does not lose its original essence.
Why protect this building? Currently, the property houses the headquarters of the Alliance Française and functions as a cultural and teaching center that unites cultures through language. Additionally, it possesses high architectural value. According to Thomas, it is time to make a pause and recognize the historical relevance that this 'monument' requires.
What does it mean to be heritage? If the project becomes law, the building would obtain a special level of protection, which includes the prohibition of its demolition.
