Casa Heurtematte 2

The house once belonged to Frenchman George Leow, a prominent hotel businessman known for constructing the Grand Hotel (now the Museo del Canal). Before that, he built the Louisiana Hotel in 1852 in Panama City and the Aspinwall in 1856 in Colon City.

Despite its current state of ruin, the property still showcases a wealth of imported elements. Crafted from iron, the balcony’s supports and railings feature riveting ornamental details. The window openings exhibit semicircular arches with fan-shaped iron mullions. Interestingly, the exterior frames of the upper-floor openings are not made of mortar but of wood. The roof is adorned with French tiles, including special pieces to ventilate the space between the roof and the ceilings.

This architectural model from the end of the 19th century served as inspiration for other houses that have endured over time. After Loew’s death in 1879, the property passed into the hands of the Frenchman Maxime Heurtematte, an immigrant who arrived in Panama during the Gold Rush and from whom the current owners are descended.

Situated at the corner of Avenue B and 3rd Street, next to the Teatro Nacional and facing Plaza Bolivar, this property holds a unique historical significance.