Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Fundição de Oeiras

Oeiras old foundry logo (1921)Gate detail

The factory had such an important role on the region that even the street got its name after the foundry: 'Rua da Fundição de Oeiras' = 'Oeiras Foundry Street'.

Several companies are now housed in some of the old factory smaller buildings; bigger ones are currently the place for certain events, such as the fashion StockMarket, the Esoteric Fair or any kind of exhibition.
Its days are numbered once there are plans to build some huge condominiums of 25 floors or more, which is, in fact, very controversial and it's causing a 'small war', but unfortunately I'm sure the condos will win...

13 comments:

Tanya Breese said...

Oh no, that's a shame. I hope by some miracle they factory wins. I hate when developers tear down a piece of history for something so plain as a condo.

Mary Stebbins Taitt said...

Ditto, I agree with Tanya. Nice photos and history!

Hilda said...

Oh no! Not another historical building going down because of condos! I really, really hate that — so sad.

Hilda said...

I so love the details in this old factory — especially the gate!

Marcel said...

I have always found foundries very fascinating. Unfortunately, you are more than likely right condos seem to always win.

Wayne said...

By hook or by crook developers will win 9 times out of 10.

They'll name the building the foundary or relocate some element of the historic building to the lobby and feel they have done their bit to preserve history.

Thanks for the images.

Unknown said...

Yes, it's a shame!

Wayne, I think you are absolutely right! I've seen that before!...

Thank you all for stopping by. Tomorrow I will show you more of the foundry.

www.niamhphotography.com said...

that's great photo journalism. very interesting and a real pity. thanks for sharing.

Profile Not Available said...

That is too bad. It is difficult to see a site that clearly has contributed to the heritage of the town disappear for the sake of more condos. I enjoyed the history lesson, thank you!

Copenhagen said...

Are the men in the logo pouring gold into a mold?

Ken said...

If it's anything like here it is probably a done deal.

valeria said...

What a real shame. The town should take over the place and make a museum of the foundry as a heritage of a long tradition in town...

Jules said...

How appalling - this is such an important group of buildings that should be preserved!!! AAAAHHH!!!!