Traditional Aruban House in Rancho Receives Official Protected Monument Plaque
ORANJESTAD — Prime Minister Mike Eman unveiled the official protected monument plaque on a historic Aruban home located at Koningstraat 42 in the Rancho neighborhood.
The ceremony took place in the presence of family members, neighbors, and representatives of the Aruba Monument Bureau (MBA).
With the placement of the plaque, the home was officially recognized as part of Aruba's historical and cultural heritage. The building represents an important chapter in the history of Rancho—a neighborhood that originated as a fishing village and played a pivotal role in the development of Oranjestad.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the family's decision to cooperate in protecting the property. He emphasized the importance of preserving Aruba's traditional homes, as they reflect the history, culture, and identity of the community.
Partnering for Heritage Preservation
Rancho has a rich history of generations who worked hard, particularly in the fishing industry, to build a future for their families and for Aruba. A part of that shared history is preserved in the character-rich homes still standing in the area. The government, in collaboration with the Aruba Monument Bureau (MBA), is currently reaching out to owners of homes that have already been designated for protection but require formal owner consent to complete the official designation process.
Additionally, the Prime Minister highlighted support options for owners who wish to restore their historic properties. Discussions are underway with banks to facilitate restoration loans with special interest rates, while the Aruba Monument Fund Foundation (SMFA) may provide financial support. The Aruba Monument Bureau also offers technical assistance and guidance on architectural plans and the restoration process, ensuring alignment with official monument conservation guidelines.
A House That Tells the Story of Generations
Servin Loefstop, grandson and heir to the property, expressed his pride in seeing his family's home officially recognized as a protected monument. He shared that the property holds a deep family history dating back to his great-grandmother, who inherited the house and rented it out for many years. He emphasized that preserving such buildings benefits not only the owning family, but the entire Aruban community.
Loefstop encouraged other owners of historic homes to consider monument protection, noting that these structures represent not just a family legacy, but an essential piece of Aruba's history.
Traditional Architecture Reflecting Rancho's Identity
Raul Gei, interim director of the Aruba Monument Bureau (MBA), explained that the house at Koningstraat 42 belongs to an ensemble of three identical houses that are instantly recognizable in the neighborhood. According to Gei, these structures carry significant historical value for Rancho and Playa Pabou, as they reinforce community identity and keep the memories of past generations alive. He noted that several other historic homes will also receive their official monument plaques in the coming days.
According to historical data from the MBA, the home at Koningstraat 42 is an example of a cunucu house (a traditional rural dwelling) built in an artisanal architectural style with a Dutch tile roof. Notably, the structure lacks a rainwater catchment system and gutter; it is believed the tile roof may have been installed after the house was connected to the public water network, though further historical research is needed to confirm this.
Another key architectural feature is the home's alignment parallel to the street. This layout reflects an early form of urban planning in Oranjestad, where streets and lots were intentionally organized. Koningstraat formed part of the fishing village of Rancho, where land parcels granted by the government were relatively small.