Structure Reuse A Century-Old Buenos Aires Theater Converted Into a 21,000-Square-Foot Bookstore | Colossal July 22, 2016 Sara Badiali Image by Uruguay in Photos Built in Buenos Aires as a performing arts theater in 1919, El Ateneo Grand Splendid’s content has undergone several revisions, with its current purpose being a 21,000 square foot bookstore. Despite the switching of functions, the architecture has remained true to the early 20th century vision of PerĂ³ and Torres Armengol, the building still boasting ornate frescoed ceilings and detailed trimmings that line the ceiling, handrails, and walls. Source: A Century-Old Buenos Aires Theater Converted Into a 21,000-Square-Foot Bookstore | Colossal