For its authenticity, significance within the urban context, the materials and techniques used in its construction, and its historical and symbolic value, the old residence of the Brenes Méndez family was declared an architectural historical heritage of Costa Rica in 2016 under Executive Decree No. 39671-C, published in the official gazette La Gaceta on July 18, 2016. This house was likely built in 1910 on land located in the burgeoning Otoya neighborhood, one of the most elegant in the capital. The design is credited to Engineer Luis Paulino Jiménez, utilizing the French bahareque system (wooden structure with a metal lining). "Due to its characteristics, construction period, and dimensions, it is representative of buildings owned by families belonging to the Costa Rican bourgeoisie of the early 20th century," which was influenced by Victorian architectural style. "This is reflected in elements such as the stylized and ornamented columns on the first level, the design and arrangement of windows, the presence of the front garden, and the pronounced slope of its roofs." The house was initially inhabited by Mr. Carlos, Mrs. Arabela, and their four children, namely, Dora, Ofelia, Carlos Manuel, and Nereo Jorge. Other relatives also lived there, and when Nereo married María Luisa Calvo, they also lived there, along with their two daughters, Ana Isabel and Eugenia. On the first floor, there was the dining room, a place where we all gathered punctually for lunch, dinner, conversations, and to listen to music. She mentally reviewed each of the rooms: the living room, kitchen, pantry, a bedroom for the household staff, and the office where former President Ricardo Jiménez Oreamuno's desk once stood, he was a partner of Mr. Carlos Brenes, who was a lawyer. The second floor housed all the bedrooms, spacious and well-lit, and the sewing rooms of the aunts. Another criterion considered for the declaration was the property's value within the context. "The residence is situated in a neighborhood that is one of the few that preserves a large number of buildings with similar characteristics." Right next to the house is another heritage building that currently houses the Film Center. Former President José Figueres Ferrer lived there. Another neighbor, and perhaps the favorite of those girls, is the Simon Bolivar Zoo. The house is currently owned by Ajo Negro S.A., a Costa Rican capital company.