It’s not often that a UNESCO-listed district can claim a new addition. The historic quarter of Panama City, Casco Viejo (also known as Casco Antiguo), and its brick-lined streets haven’t changed much since the 17th century.
Centuries-old churches and the presidential palace brush up against colonial-style, pastel buildings with wrought-iron balconies reminiscent of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico and New Orleans. But one of the most iconic buildings in Casco Viejo is the former Union Club, built in 1917. It sat empty for more than 30 years — its abandoned shell was used as a backdrop in films like the 2008 James Bond movie “Quantum of Solace.” Now, it’s transformed into the area’s newest hotel: the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo.
With only the original French colonial façade still standing — Panamanian politician Manuel Noriega supposedly once hid out here, and the building was bombed in 1989 during the American invasion — local architect Manuel Choy looked to old photos for design inspiration. The images served as a guide during the five-year restoration project that transformed Panama’s former social club into the 159-room Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama, which debuted last month.