The forgotten water bottling plant in Lares, Puerto Rico, holds a significant place in the island’s history. Originally constructed in 1932 by engineer and architect Don Francisco Levy González as part of a larger complex known as Mansión Levy or La Rambla, the site was initially intended to be a hotel and casino. However, those plans fell through, leading to a new venture centered around the nearby natural spring, Santa Rosa.
Repurposing the mansion, Levy transformed it into Puerto Rico’s first water bottling factory. The engineering feat was remarkable for its time, featuring an intricate network of bridges and channels connecting the structure to the spring. This innovation marked a pioneering achievement for the Caribbean region. Additionally, tales persist of underground tunnels linking the factory to various locations within the town of Lares, adding to the mystique of the site.
The legends surrounding Levy Mansion add layers of intrigue and mystery to its already rich history. One such tale speaks of a group searching for a church site, unaware that they had chosen a spot above a natural spring. A woman among them, believed by some to be an angel, warned of the spring’s presence, predicting doom for any structure built over it. Heeding her warning, the group named the area La Rambla and the spring Santa Rosa, honoring her. Legend holds that the woman vanished, leaving behind a green halo that supposedly still appears over the spring at night, a spectral reminder of her presence. Such stories weave a tapestry of folklore around this historic site, enhancing its allure and enchantment.
The fate of Levy Mansion remains uncertain as the municipal government of Lares endeavors to revive its original purpose as a hotel and casino, as envisioned by its creator, Don Francisco Levy González. However, progress has been slow, likely hindered by ongoing economic challenges compounded by the aftermath of Hurricane María in 2017. Despite scattered construction equipment indicating past efforts, the site continues to languish in abandonment. The timeline for resuming renovations remains unclear. In the meantime, the vacant mansion and the remnants of the pioneering factory serve as silent monuments, enticing curious explorers to uncover their hidden stories.
