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Central Building in Curitiba, Abandoned for More than Two Decades, Gains New Residential Project and Resumes Movement in the Urban Landscape with Innovative Proposals for Residents and Visitors to the Downtown Area.
In the heart of Curitiba, at the corner of Presidente Faria Street and Alfredo Bufren, the renovation of a building that was halted for around 26 years has resumed.
According to information from the newspaper Tribuna, the building, originally dubbed Centro Empresarial Roberto Schiebler, has found new life after decades of abandonment.
The construction, designed by architect Cláudio Antônio Castro De Orte and started in 1996 by Weber Construções, was expected to be completed in 2000.
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The project included 22 floors with commercial offices and a gallery on the ground floor.
However, the work was halted in 1998 due to financing issues and has remained unfinished since then.
During the period of inactivity, the building became a “urban skeleton”, as described by residents.
Without finishing, it was informally occupied by people in vulnerable situations and used as an improvised parking lot.
Now renamed Noov CWB, the property is undergoing a complete renovation.
The new owner claims that the construction is approximately 40% complete — an indication of progress after more than two decades of stagnation.
Unlike the original project, the new development will have a residential focus.
The current proposal includes studios with areas ranging from 21 m² to 59 m², in addition to two-bedroom apartments with 59.92 m².
The residential complex will also offer amenities such as gym, coworking space, beach volleyball court, kids’ area, gourmet space, laundry, pet area, playground, community garden, barbecue grills, square with pergola, and marketplace.
The project also aims to integrate Noov CWB with Praça do Ciclista, located at the intersection of Presidente Faria and São Francisco Street.
This urban articulation enhances mobility and public interaction.
Retrospective and Urban Transformation
The suspension of the construction in 1998 became emblematic in the landscape of Curitiba.
The imposing concrete skeleton contrasted with the bustling central region and was criticized for representing a waste of investment.
With the resumption, Noov CWB emerges as a symbol of urban revitalization.
The transformation of an unfinished commercial building into a residential complex with various infrastructures indicates a shift in space usage, aligned with the city’s new demands.
Real Estate and Urban Impact
The choice for compact apartments caters to a growing trend in urban centers: functional housing for singles, young couples, or professionals on the move.
The presence of shared areas — coworking, community garden, and social spaces — reinforces the concept of mixed-use and promotes social interaction.
The connection with Praça do Ciclista and the creation of leisure and sports areas nearby also highlight the proposal to promote more public life in the region, in addition to enhancing safety with a constant flow of people.
Construction Status
According to data provided by the project’s administration, approximately 40% of the finishing work has been completed.
However, no public information was found regarding completion deadlines or estimates for the delivery of the apartments.
There is also no disclosed data regarding sale or rental prices for the units, the total number of parking spaces, or the expected formal incorporation of the project into the city’s real estate registry.
This information is not available through official channels at this time.
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