Here’s where things start to get interesting… Clothing, coffee and commerce were symbols of Antioquia’s entrepreneurial dynamism in the 20th century. In the 70s, the three of them would cement their presence tangibly, in a way that would forever change the architectural profile of Medellin’s skyline.
Even today, these grand structures built in El Centro during the 70s: the Coltejer, Café and Chamber of Commerce are still amongst the city’s very tallest. This was all part of an effort to industrialize the growing city, which at that time had met its milestone of 1 million inhabitants.
The bar was to be pushed; Medellinenses were reaching for the sky, and what better way to illustrate that through the erection of unrivalled skyscrapers. Today, El Centro may feel like a gritty place to be, but it was once the hub of Medellin’s economic activity.
Just like other towers built downtown, the Camara de Comercio was a mega display of achievement by the people of this industrious city. A show of unity.
Height: 139m
Location: El Centro
Built: 1977
Floors: 32