Casa David J. Melul, a masterpiece of modernist architecture, stands proudly in the heart of Melilla, Spain. This architectural gem, designed by the renowned architect Enrique Nieto, is celebrated as the pinnacle of floral modernism in the city. Situated in the bustling Plaza de España, Casa David J. Melul is a part of the Historic-Artistic Complex of Melilla and is recognized as a cultural heritage site.
The origins of Casa David J. Melul date back to December 17, 1906, when construction began based on a design by Alejandro Rodríguez-Borlado Álvarez. Initially conceived in a classical style, the building was intended to have a ground floor and a single upper floor. However, as the Plaza de España was reimagined and building regulations changed, the opportunity arose to expand and transform the structure. This transformation was spearheaded by the Spanish Society of Studies and Constructions between July 12, 1915, and July 3, 1917, under the visionary guidance of Enrique Nieto.
Commissioned by David J. Melul, a prosperous entrepreneur of the early 20th century, the building became a symbol of Melilla's economic boom. Melul, known for his enterprise, owned the Gran Bazar Reina Victoria located on the building's lower floors, as well as several shipping and insurance businesses. His success mirrored the prosperity of Melilla at the time, allowing for the creation of such an iconic urban center and its remarkable architectural landmarks.
Casa David J. Melul is not just a building; it’s an experience. As you approach, the building's façade greets you with its enchanting blend of fantasy and elegance. The structure comprises a ground floor and three upper stories, topped with rooftop quarters. Constructed with local stone masonry and solid brick, the building is a testament to the ingenuity of using humble materials to create something extraordinary.
The building's facades open onto three streets: La Avenida, Plaza de España, and Calle General Marina. The most striking of these is the one facing Plaza de España. Here, the ground floor's simple composition of horizontal lines is interspersed with cast iron columns that support the rest of the building's ornate design. The principal floor features a continuous balcony hidden behind a decorative pergola, with windows framed by green shutters and salmon-colored simulated rustication. The façade is adorned with exquisitely decorated parapets and moldings of foliage.
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The building's corners are graced with polygonal, rounded bay windows, which are partially obscured by trees. These bays are composed of slender columns supporting arches, adorned with garlands on the principal floor and surrounded by a balcony on the second floor. Originally, these bays were topped with small temples, which have sadly been lost over time.
On La Avenida, the central axis of the façade begins with an entrance door framed by a magnificent mold. This door, showcasing exquisite carpentry and ironwork, leads to a stunning vestibule with an exceptional ceiling mold and a beautiful wooden grille supporting glass panels in front of the staircase.
Inside, the building housed not only Melul's Gran Bazar Reina Victoria but also various other establishments over the years, including La Cervecería La Inglesa, Café Madrid, and Joyería Londres. Each of these businesses contributed to the building's rich history and vibrant atmosphere.
In 1989, the building underwent a restoration that highlighted its delightful colors, earning it the nickname La Tarta (The Cake). A subsequent restoration in 2015, led by the architectural firm Montero & Moreno, sought to restore the original balconies and colors, although some of the original decorative elements could not be recovered.
Casa David J. Melul remains an enduring symbol of Melilla's modernist heritage. Its walls tell stories of a bygone era of prosperity and creativity, capturing the spirit of a city that embraced architectural innovation and cultural richness. Visitors to Melilla should not miss the opportunity to marvel at this stunning example of modernist architecture, a testament to the city's vibrant history and artistic legacy.
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