WILLEMSTAD – The long-disputed Cinelandia Building could still face demolition if a new technical investigation concludes that the structure poses a threat to public safety, according to Minister of Traffic, Transport and Spatial Planning Charles Cooper.
Speaking on the issue, Cooper said the government will carry out a new structural analysis in the coming months to determine the current condition of the building, which has been at the center of controversy for years because of its deteriorated state.
Cinelandia in Downtown Punda
If the new findings show that the building presents an immediate danger to the public, the government may once again move to issue a demolition permit.
The future of Cinelandia has been the subject of legal and public debate since 2021, when the government ordered owner Fernando Da Costa Gomez to demolish the building within one month, citing serious structural concerns and possible collapse risks.
That decision was challenged in court by heritage organizations, which argued that the demolition order was rushed and lacked proper legal and technical justification.
The court sided with the preservation groups, ruling that the government had not acted with sufficient care and had failed to adequately substantiate its decision.
As a result, demolition was halted.
The dispute reflects a broader tension between public safety and heritage preservation.
Cinelandia is widely regarded as one of the most important historic buildings in downtown Willemstad and is considered a rare example of Art Deco architecture on Curaçao.
Cinelandia inside
For preservationists, the building represents an important part of the island’s architectural and cultural history.
At the same time, the structure has been in visible decline for years, with repeated warnings from experts and nearby residents about loose building materials and the potential danger to pedestrians.
Critics have previously accused both the property owner and the government of failing to take adequate action to secure or restore the building.
The new technical assessment is expected to provide updated clarity on the structural integrity of the property.
Cooper emphasized that public safety remains the government’s highest priority, even if that ultimately means sacrificing a historic landmark.
The outcome of the study could determine whether Curaçao moves toward preservation, restoration or demolition of one of Punda’s most recognizable but troubled historic buildings.