Casa Aybar restoration begins in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City with RD$102 million investment

Santo Domingo.- Tourism Minister David Collado inaugurated the restoration of Casa Aybar, a historic property in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City, with an investment of RD$102.3 million aimed at preserving the building and transforming it into a cultural, institutional and tourist space.

The project includes the structural consolidation and rehabilitation of the historic building, with restoration work on its facades, roofs, floors, doors, windows and other architectural elements.

The intervention will also address moisture, leaks and other structural problems, while reinforcing deteriorated walls and components. Electrical, plumbing, air-conditioning and fire-protection systems will also be upgraded.

According to Collado, the restoration is part of the government’s broader efforts to revitalize the Colonial City, the Dominican Republic’s main historic and cultural center and one of the most important colonial districts in the Americas.

Collado noted that the transformation of the area has increased its appeal to visitors, with approximately 13% of tourists arriving in the Dominican Republic now visiting the Colonial City.

Casa Aybar to expand cultural and tourist services

Once completed, Casa Aybar will house institutional offices, cultural and tourism services, a ticket office, tourist information areas and temporary exhibition spaces. A complementary building will also provide public restrooms and a cafeteria.

The project extends beyond the building itself, including the rehabilitation of La Atarazanas Street, with improvements to paving, sidewalks, curbs, steps and stormwater drainage.

The work is being supervised by the Executive Committee for Infrastructure in Tourist Zones (CEIZTUR).

Collado said the Ministry of Tourism has invested nearly US$10 million in the Colonial City, funding the rehabilitation of several historic landmarks and public spaces.

Among the projects completed are the Museum of the Sea, Ozama Fortress, Cathedral Museum and Gate of Mercy, along with the renovation of more than 12 churches and improvements to sidewalks and curbs.

The minister said the continued investment seeks to preserve the Colonial City’s heritage while making it more accessible and attractive to residents, Dominican visitors and international tourists.