At this week’s meeting, Architect Andy Rivera transported us into Puerto Rico’s rich architectural and cultural history, beginning with Old San Juan, the oldest city under the American flag. He explained that while some structures date back to 1522, most were built between 1712 and the 1890s by international architects, creating a diverse mix of styles across the island. From Catalan influences in Ponce to English in Arroyo, Puerto Rico’s buildings reflect a vibrant blend of cultures that continue to shape its identity.

Andy also highlighted the work of the Puerto Rico Historic Building Society, which documents and preserves this heritage while offering tours of courtyards, balconies, rooftops, and tunnels. He shared the complex history of La Perla, once used by the military and later as a tuberculosis hospital, noting how communities like these embody Puerto Rico’s layered past. In San Juan, he described the city’s transformation from a fortress settlement into a hub of religious and civic life, pointing out its unique infrastructure—32 tunnels, 1,232 cisterns, and 48 crypts—as well as the colorful facades added in the 1950s that helped spur tourism and the local economy.

The presentation concluded with a preview of Andy’s soon-to-be-published 421-page book, project featuring his photorealistic 3D drawings and photographs of Puerto Rico’s architectural masterpieces. Already the recipient of three international awards, the book celebrates military, religious, domestic, and institutional buildings across the island. Andy also shared the reach of his organization’s Facebook page, the Puerto Rico Historic Building Drawing Society. The meeting closed with lively conversation about cobblestones, Fort Brooks, the Fulbright incident that led to the Institute of Culture, and even the idea of a future Old San Juan tour and social at Barachina.