Cuban YouTuber Víctor G recently showcased a glimpse into the decaying interior of the Riomar building on his Instagram (@victoriny_) and TikTok (@victor.g731) profiles. Situated on Primera Street in the Miramar district, west of Havana, the building has become a refuge for many homeless individuals who have made abandoned apartments their precarious homes.
"We are inside the Riomar building, located on Primera Street in the Miramar area. It has a remarkable history, but what's truly astonishing is how it has now become a shelter for numerous people. Many who are homeless have found a little corner, a place, to make their new home," Víctor G explains in one of his videos.
During the tour, Víctor G interacts with two men residing in the building. One of them shared, "I was collecting cans on the street to survive, and then someone told me, 'Why don't you go to the building at La Puntilla where the Russians used to be? There are apartments there, and people are moving in to live.'"
Another resident demonstrated how he has managed to transform a part of the building. "There was a churro stand here, like that one over there... and I gradually cleaned it until I fixed it up." He mentioned cooking with wood due to the lack of electricity: "I still don't have electric... not outside there," he noted. According to him, he has been living there for three years: "On August 15, I'll have been here for three years, and before that, I spent some days on the street."
This isn't the first time life in Riomar has been documented. Back in 2024, a video by the YouTube channel JSant TV provided similar accounts of individuals who, after losing their homes, took over the dilapidated apartments, some doing so for over five years.
The Riomar building was initially constructed in 1957 as a luxurious project by architect Cristóbal Martínez Márquez. It boasted eleven floors, 201 apartments, a lobby, banquet halls, two swimming pools, six elevators, and parking for each unit. It was one of the most modern residential complexes of its time.
Following the 1960 Urban Reform Law, many original owners lost their apartments, and the building was repurposed to accommodate foreign technicians. An attempt to convert it into offices in 2001 failed, leaving it abandoned and deteriorating ever since.
Now, amidst debris, graffiti, and remnants of its original architectural grandeur, the Riomar serves as a home for those with nowhere else to go. Some have managed to adapt small areas for survival despite the lack of basic services like water and electricity.
Víctor González, the video's creator, has also been open about his current migration challenges. In a recent video, he disclosed that despite obtaining temporary residency in Mexico, he cannot return due to financial and bureaucratic difficulties. He is currently in Cuba, awaiting Spanish citizenship to travel once more.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Riomar Building in Cuba
What is the current state of the Riomar building?
The Riomar building is largely dilapidated and abandoned, now serving as a shelter for homeless individuals who have taken over the abandoned apartments.
Who originally designed the Riomar building?
The Riomar building was designed by architect Cristóbal Martínez Márquez in 1957 as a luxurious residential project.
Why did the Riomar building become abandoned?
After the 1960 Urban Reform Law, the building was repurposed for foreign technicians, and a failed restoration attempt in 2001 left it in a state of neglect.