A Building Now Part of Alicante's History (and Rubble)

The building that stood until this Thursday at number five on Doctor Gadea Avenue in Alicante is now history. The three floors that made up the property, along with its facade, have been reduced to pieces, scattered into millions of rubble across the pavement and its foundations.

The acquisition of this building by a developer for its demolition and the construction of 140 'flex living' apartments has removed another emblem of early 20th-century Alicante architecture. According to the General Directorate of Cadastre, the building, now turned to rubble, dates back to 1910.

Thus, after 114 years standing, showcasing the splendor and details of its era on its facade, it has now become part of Alicante's memory, as it seems only the access wall to the building with the windows of its two commercial premises has been preserved.

The last businesses to occupy the ground floor of number five on Doctor Gadea Avenue were an optician and a shop. Passersby and residents also recall that it was here where one of the first kebab restaurants in the city opened, now relocated just a few meters from the site now turned into a vacant lot.

The demolition works were swift. From November 19 to 21, as also recorded by the Alicante City Council. During these days, this section of Doctor Gadea was closed to vehicular traffic to safely carry out the works that brought down the historic building.

The Ensanche neighborhood has lost another piece of its history to make way for a future building - projected for 2026 - intended to house a total of 140 apartments for medium-term stays for travelers and tourists. This will occupy numbers 3 and 5 on Gadea, having also acquired the first plot from Aligrupo.

It was this Thursday when the people of Alicante who walked along Doctor Gadea Avenue expressed their "desolation," as conversations revealed, upon witnessing the loss of this historic facade that for over a century reflected the architectural character and idiosyncrasy of the city.

From the past, in this block, only the remains of the old flour mill - converted mid-century into the Alcázar Garage and now replaced by a new residential building - located between Italy and Arzobispo Loaces streets remain. It is the pillars of its portal that immortalize that an industrial Alicante once existed here, being the last vestige of the area.

The construction of the new 'flex living' apartment building will also overshadow this monument. Google Maps reviews, upon learning of its situation, do not encourage a visit either. "An entrance to a private parking that goes completely unnoticed, visiting this monument is a real waste of time," reads one of them.

The Basque developer Kategora is responsible for transforming these remnants of Alicante's past into a new building capable of housing 140 'flex living' accommodations. As they advance, the architectural firm in charge of the works will create "an advanced interpretation of what Alicante should be in that suspended time we spend as guests."

This new building - scheduled for 2026 - aims to be a "zero-emission benchmark" in Spain, with a 'Breeam' certificate in its construction that guarantees energy savings, the reuse of rainwater and greywater, as well as the environmental sustainability of the construction, "generating efficiencies and ensuring respect for the environment."

As they advance, the design will feature a welcoming image, both domestic and unique, with terraces in all rooms and common areas of urban interest. Among other services, several restaurants will be installed, a rooftop pool, and underground parking. All this in 10,000 square meters, which will also be distributed among its future seven floors with an attic.