An annex to the Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Arts (Museo de Arte Contemporaneo [MAC]), entails the rehabilitation of a 1903 school (Madame Lucchetti) and its expansion with a five (5) level addition.

The original historic building will accommodate artist studios and exhibition galleries – free of ancillary spaces, all to be located in the new annex.  The addition will contain formal entrance, street-facing café, administration, (ample) meeting room, (modest) auditorium, (2) artist guest rooms, restoration workroom and –much need- storage for growing collections, as well as vertical circulation (elevator, stairs), restroom and infrastructure spaces.  The contemporary volume –with South facing breeze block ‘walls’- completes the spatial definition of the ”V” shaped ‘patio’ – continuing and reinforcing the distinct character of the Lucchetti School’s arched galleries (exterior hallways) on all five (5) levels.  The augmented central courtyard will be the unifying element feature of the project.  With this annex, the MAC seeks to amplify its successful/unique sponsorship of the plastic arts, create a communal focal point and activate the further development of a depressed urban sector of San Juan.