New Construction

The Need For A Restoration Center

Environmentally controlled archival storage of the original Hemingway documents at Finca Vigía does not exist. The conserved originals are stored in acid free boxes but they return to an environment that will lead to their destruction over time.

For a decade the Cuban government has wanted to build an archival storage center with wet and dry conservation laboratories… formerly known as the Taller…on site at Finca Vigía. The building was renamed the Restoration Center by the Consejo Nacional de Patrimonio — reflecting the many marvelous state-of-the-art technology within. Our architectural team and document conservators consulted on the design. However Cuban resources and materials were not available.

Over time, the humid environment in Cuba can be very destructive to documents, photos, and books.

Phase 1: Rough Construction

In 2014, the Finca Vigía Foundation, received permission from the Cuban and United States governments to embark on this unprecedented project. It would be the first time since 1960 that US building supplies were shipped to Cuba.

We began by creating a comprehensive materials list, pre-approved by both the US and Cuban technical teams and governments—which included everything from roof tiles, plumbing fixtures, to fine Japanese tissue paper, water colors, and pairs of scissors.

In June 2016 the first of three shipments arrived at Finca Vigía to begin the construction of the Restoration Center. The two shipping containers carried roofing materials, floor and wall tiles, hurricane proof windows, rough plumbing, and rough electrical. Chests filled with hundreds of tools, hard hats, safety gear, and safety posters were also sent.

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Phase 2: Finished Construction

Prior to the shipment of Phase 2 materials, Caterpillar Inc. donated a skid steer loader to the project. The bull dozer arrived at Finca Vigía in May 2017 and was immediately put to use digging drainage ditches for retaining walls, and moving tons of stone, cement blocks, and other heavy materials.

In September 2017 a container filled with building supplies arrived in Cuba. This shipment contained the important HVAC equipment; a generator; finish plumbing, sanitation, and electrical supplies; interior doors; tools and more safety products—goggles, steel-toed construction boot, eyewash centers, and hard hats.

Construction will commence in mid-October when the US technical team arrives on-site.

Preparation for the third, and final phase, will begin shortly.

Materials needed to begin Phase 2 are ready to ship to Cuba.

Phase 3: The Laboratories

Conservation laboratory equipment and supplies comprised the final shipment. The modern laboratories are equipped bright lights, plumbing, fume hoods, light tables, suction tables, drying racks, cold storage, cabinetry, tables and chairs, and the many supplies needed to repair and stabilize the thousands of Hemingway documents.

In addition to building the Restoration Center, the U.S. construction crew provided workforce development, mentoring and training to Cuban tradesmen and women.

The building was dedicated March 30, 2019. The ceremony was broadcast live on Cuban television.