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 Peró 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