Torre David Caracas, formally known as Centro Financiero Confinanzas, is a 45-story skyscraper in Caracas, Venezuela. Originally designed as a modern financial center, it became an informal settlement after construction halted due to economic crises.
Famous Story: From Abandoned Tower to Squatter Community
Construction began in 1990 but was abandoned in 1994 due to Venezuela's economic collapse and banking crisis. In the 2000s, with severe housing shortages, homeless families occupied the incomplete tower. By 2007, it housed over 750 families, transforming into a self-governed vertical slum. Community leaders managed essential services like electricity and water independently, but poor conditions led to hazards such as fires and crime risks.
Key Facts
- Location: Caracas, Venezuela's capital.
- Height: Approximately 190 meters (624 feet).
- Years Active: Occupied from 2007 to 2014; partially evacuated and repurposed later.
- Residential Peak: Over 3,000 inhabitants at its height.
- Architectural Note: Unfinished with exposed concrete and improvised living spaces.
- Current Status: Partially dismantled for redevelopment projects, symbolizing urban informality.
