Residents of the Focsa building, once a celebrated architectural landmark in Havana, have voiced their concerns over the building's rapid deterioration. They report crumbling concrete in the garage ceiling, exposed steel rods, malfunctioning elevators, and piles of garbage accumulating on various floors. Meanwhile, the management claims a lack of funds for even basic repairs.
On Saturday, the independent newspaper 14ymedio published an anonymous complaint from building residents who concealed their identities "for safety reasons." The document directly accuses the Cimex S.A. Real Estate Company, which has managed the building for decades, of failing to maintain the property.
The complaint raises a pressing question: How can a structure that generates over a million dollars annually from rentals lack the resources for essential maintenance?
Residents describe the building as engulfed in neglect and abandonment, suspecting "high levels of corruption" among those managing the property. Photos shared by the residents paint a dire picture: large sections of the garage ceiling have completely peeled away, leaving rusted metal frameworks exposed, even above parked vehicles.
Infrastructure Concerns and Electrical Dependence
Inside, the staircases reveal cracks, open areas, and exposed rods in daily traffic zones. Internal rooms have turned into disorderly storage spaces for black bags, cardboard, and other waste.
Out of the building's seven elevators, only two operate regularly, one in the lobby and another for service. Residents face long waits to access their apartments, a problem exacerbated by frequent power outages, during which many have been trapped in elevators due to insufficient fuel for the generator.
The electrical crisis hits the Focsa particularly hard since the entire building relies on electricity, lacking a gas infrastructure. "Everything here is electric because gas installations were never made," explained an architect on social media. As a result, cooking, using elevators, and water supply are entirely dependent on electricity. On June 9, the building went without power for 23 hours, and when it returned, it lasted only slightly over an hour.
"I can testify. And cooking with gas is prohibited. Everything in the building runs on electricity, with frequent outages and many elderly residents. There are seniors even on the 29th floor," the architect noted. Another resident added, "The elderly are starving because they can't cook."
Waste Management and Fire Hazards
The garbage situation is another alarming issue. According to the complaint, there are barely any waste containers, and the stench spreads across multiple levels. Recently, containers and piles of accumulated waste in the garden caught fire, which was only extinguished with the intervention of firefighters.
Back in February, a basement fire at the Focsa prompted a response from firefighters. Residents warn that most fire extinguishers are non-functional and the old water pump fire system is inoperable.
Questionable Investments and Maintenance Failures
Residents also criticize investments they deem failed or outright fraudulent. A lobby renovation over five years ago installed air conditioners that were never used and an air curtain that never worked.
An announced major elevator repair included plans to replace cabins, motors, cables, and doors, but according to residents, only cables and some minor parts were changed. "Where did the invested money go?" they ask.
With 36 floors, 373 apartments, two-floor garages, and commercial areas, the building operates with only three workers.
The Focsa's deterioration is not an isolated incident. Havana loses approximately 1,000 buildings annually, and by the end of 2025, there were 185,348 properties in disrepair in the capital, of which 46,158 required major renovations.
In 2025, building collapses resulted in at least six deaths. The historic Lincoln Hotel in Central Havana, like many other Havana buildings, follows the same pattern of neglect.
A social media comment encapsulated the concern of many: "This is how the building in Miami started, with the deterioration of its underground garage, and people ended up crushed. They need to address this issue. Otherwise, it will collapse soon."
Frequently Asked Questions About Focsa's Deterioration
What issues are currently affecting the Focsa building?
The Focsa building is experiencing severe decay, including crumbling concrete, exposed steel rods, malfunctioning elevators, and garbage accumulation. The management claims a lack of funds for necessary repairs.
Why is the Focsa building dependent on electricity?
The Focsa building relies entirely on electricity because it was never equipped with gas installations. This makes it vulnerable during power outages, affecting cooking, elevator use, and water supply.