The Government of Panama, through the Ministry of the Presidency, has initiated a comprehensive $3.3 million restoration of the historic La Casa Amarilla in San Felipe, Panama City. The project, awarded to the firm Civil y Logística S.A., aims to structurally and architecturally rehabilitate the deteriorated building for use in diplomatic ceremonies by June 2026. The restoration is being conducted under strict guidelines from the National Directorate of Cultural Heritage (DNPC) to preserve the site’s significant heritage value.
The contract was granted following the provisions of Law 22 on Public Procurement. Work is currently in the preliminary phase, involving detailed archaeological and structural studies. All plans and procedures must be reviewed and approved by the DNPC of the Ministry of Culture (MiCultura) before any physical work can commence, ensuring full compliance with national preservation standards.
“The project is governed by what is established by Law 22 of Public Procurement and complies with the historical preservation criteria defined by the National Directorate of Cultural Heritage,” stated the Ministry of the Presidency in an official release.
Strict Conservation Protocols Guide the Restoration
The DNPC has assigned specific conservation values to different parts of the property, dictating the extent of permissible modifications. The interior of the building has received a third-order conservation value, which allows for internal alterations to modernize the facility. However, the facade must be maintained identically to its original design.
In contrast, the perimeter wall was assigned a first-order conservation value. This classification mandates that any restoration must preserve its historical appearance exactly, prohibiting any aesthetic or material deviations. This tiered approach allows for the building’s functional adaptation while safeguarding its most historically significant elements.
“The entity indicated that it has assigned a certificate of value of the third order of conservation to the interior of the property, which allows internal modifications, while the facade must remain identical to the original design,” the Ministry confirmed. [Translated from Spanish]
Modernization and Accessibility Enhancements Planned
The restoration plan includes several significant upgrades to make La Casa Amarilla a functional modern venue while respecting its historical integrity. Planned improvements include the construction of a spiral staircase, the installation of two elevators—one for passengers and one for freight—and comprehensive accessibility adaptations for people with disabilities.
Further interventions will involve work on the balconies, the placement of a new structural slab on the second floor, the restoration of all ironwork, and the installation of new lighting fixtures. Each of these elements is subject to approval by conservation architects and DNPC specialists, who provide technical observations on materials, construction methods, and conservation techniques.
Ongoing supervision is a cornerstone of the project. Periodic inspections are carried out jointly by representatives from the Ministry of the Presidency, the contractor, and heritage specialists. This collaborative oversight guarantees that all interventions meet the stringent standards required for a heritage conservation project of this magnitude.
Archaeological Discoveries and Project Timeline
The preliminary archaeological studies have already yielded significant historical discoveries, providing new insights into the site’s long history. Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient water well and various ceramic objects from both the precolonial and colonial periods. These finds contribute valuable information about the daily life and historical layers of the area surrounding the Palacio de las Garzas.
“The archaeological studies have already revealed findings of interest, such as an ancient water well and various ceramic objects from the precolonial and colonial period, which provide information about the history of the site,” the ministry reported. [Translated from Spanish]
The project is scheduled for completion in June 2026. This timeline strategically coincides with the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama, a landmark diplomatic event in the hemisphere’s history. Once restored, La Casa Amarilla is expected to serve as a premier venue for official ceremonies and diplomatic activities, reinforcing Panama’s commitment to preserving its national cultural heritage.