In a significant initiative for the revitalization of Rio de Janeiro's central region, the city government announced on Tuesday (25) the sale of the Joseph Gire Property, also known as 'A Noite,' to the developer QOPP for R$ 36 million. The 22-story building, which once housed Rádio Nacional do Rio during its prime and later the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), will be converted into a luxurious residential complex featuring 447 units and three ground-floor shops.

Built in the 1920s and inaugurated in 1929, "A Noite" is considered one of the great landmarks of Brazilian architecture and was Latin America's first skyscraper, standing at an impressive 102 meters in height. The project is situated in Praça Mauá, in the heart of Rio, close to Porto Maravilha.

The building was declared a historic and artistic national heritage site by the National Historic and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan) in 2013 and was acquired by the Rio de Janeiro City Hall in March of this year. The asset had been under federal ownership since 1940 and remained vacant since 2012 when the EBC group vacated the occupied floors.

The restoration and conversion project of this commercial asset into a residential complex envision 424 apartments, along with 23 duplex units on the 21st floor. Additionally, a bar on the 22nd floor with an open lounge for the public, a gourmet hall, game room, cinema, spa, and exclusive gym for residents are planned.

Furthermore, the project includes public access to the rooftop, where a restaurant with views of Praça Mauá will be installed, as well as the Cultural Center of Radio Nacional. Construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2024, with an estimated duration of about 18 months.

The city government's expectation is that this project will become a landmark in the revitalization of Praça Mauá, significantly contributing to the city's future by bringing life and activity to the central region of Rio. In addition to the R$ 36 million, the winning developer will contribute 50% of the additional potential generated by the incentives of the "Reviver Centro" program, estimated at another R$ 24 million.