Martinelli Building (São Paulo)

 skyscraper, commercial building

Height (structure) 130 meters/427 feet
Floors (above ground) 30
Construction end 1929


The first skyscraper in Brazil. Built by wealthy naval constructor Comendatore Martinelli, Martinelli and his wife lived in a four-story mansion on top of the building, with a private elevator and garden. Due to financial difficulties in 1934, Comendatore Martinelli sold the building to the Italian government. In 1943, with Brazil joining World War II against the axis, all Italian properties were confiscated by the Brazilian government, including the building. In 1943 the building was renamed Edificio America, later reverting to its original name, Prédio Martinelli. In 1947 the building lost the title of the tallest building in São Paulo to Altino Arantes. In the 1950´s the building was invaded by poor families that used the building as residence for many years. The building was totally restored between 1975-1979.

All cement used in the construction was imported from Norway and Sweden. The original project predicted a building with 12 stories, the project was changed later to 14, 20, and finally 30 stories.