Maranhão ordered to restore historic building in São Luís

The Federal Court has ordered the State of Maranhão to restore a historic landmark located on Rua Portugal in the historic center of São Luís. The ruling follows a civil public action filed by the Federal Public Ministry (MPF) due to the advanced degradation of the building.

The state is required to present and execute an emergency work project to the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (Iphan) within 90 days to eliminate structural risks and halt deterioration. Within 180 days, a full restoration project covering the structure, roof, and facades must be executed with technical approval from Iphan.

The court also mandated continuous patrimonial surveillance to prevent irregular occupations, invasions, and further damage. Failure to comply will result in a daily fine of R$ 1,000. The building had previously been identified by Civil Defense as having severe cracks, detached cladding, and a risk of collapse, posing a danger to the surrounding high-traffic commercial and tourist area.