Restoring a Palma landmark: the Notarial College of the Balearic Islands

It is not every day that one works on a building that forms part of a city’s collective memory.
When SPES took on the partial rehabilitation of the Illustrious Notarial College of the Balearic Islands, at 4 Via Roma, we understood that this was more than a construction project: it meant intervening in a symbol.

The Notarial College stands on the former site of the Puerta de Jesús, following the demolition of Palma’s city walls. In 1916, the notaries acquired a plot of just over 1,100 m² and, with the guidance of architect Gaspar Bennàzar, set in motion the construction of their Casa‑Colegio.

The project was entrusted to Francisco Roca Simó, known for his modernist works in the city. Here, however, he chose a very different architectural language: a façade inspired by Renaissance and Plateresque styles, crowned by a tower reminiscent of the Monterrey Palace in Salamanca, combined with features typical of Mallorcan manor houses, such as the deep eaves and the porch. The works were completed in 1919, and decades later the restoration of the façade received the Ciutat de Palma Award for best rehabilitation.

Since then, the building has maintained its dual function: headquarters of the Illustrious Notarial College of the Balearic Islands and home to the Archive of Protocols of Palma. In other words, a place where historic architecture and the city’s legal life meet every day.

When the Notarial College decided to undertake a partial refurbishment of its facilities, the objective was clear: to adapt spaces and installations to current needs without altering the identity of the building.

Architects Pedro Rabassa and Antonio Forteza, specialists in heritage interventions, led the project. Their proposal was built around three key principles:

• Respecting the historic envelope and protected architectural elements.
• Updating interior spaces to meet the demands of daily use.
• Modernising installations (safety, efficiency, comfort) in line with current CTE and LOE requirements.

All of this had to be achieved while the building remained in full operation, with constant activity from users, visitors and staff.

At SPES, we approached the project using the same methodology we apply to hotel refurbishments and the rehabilitation of singular buildings across the Balearics: meticulous planning, continuous dialogue with the client and maximum care in every construction decision.

The main works carried out included:

• Selective interior demolitions, avoiding any impact on the structure or protected elements, with strict control of vibrations and dust.
• Adaptation and redistribution of spaces to optimise circulation, work areas and public‑facing zones.
• Construction of new partitions and finishes, integrating contemporary materials with the existing architectural language in a discreet, harmonious way.
• Upgrading installations (electrical systems, climate control, communications, fire protection) to meet the safety, energy‑efficiency and comfort standards required by the CTE.

The works were organised in phases, with a tightly coordinated schedule to ensure the College could continue operating. This required:

• Working within specific time slots to minimise disruption.
• Daily coordination with the Notarial College’s team.
• Additional cleaning, protection and safety measures to allow construction and daily use to coexist.

The outcome of the partial rehabilitation of the Illustrious Notarial College of the Balearic Islands can be summed up in one idea: living heritage.

• The interior spaces now offer greater functionality and comfort for those who work in and visit the building.
• The installations meet today’s standards of safety, efficiency and accessibility.
• The historic envelope and Roca Simó’s original architectural vision remain intact, reinforcing the building’s presence in the urban landscape.

For SPES, this project reflects how we understand rehabilitation in Palma and across the Balearics: intervening with technical rigour and respect for heritage, adding value without erasing the history already written in the walls.