Mayagüez — Puerto Rico Historic Buildings Drawings Society

Aduana de Mayagüez (U.S. Custom House)

U.S. Custom House (Aduana de Mayagüez)
Comercio Street
Mayagüez, Puerto Rico


Designed by: Rafael Carmoega Morales (1924)

The Mayagüez Customhouse is an impressive one-story building in a fine formal Beaux-Arts style, with a full Tuscan portico across both the front and back of the temple-like structure. Classically correct, the Customhouse was designed under the direction of the noted Puerto Rican architect, Rafael Carmoega, and built in 1924, making it the first Customhouse constructed by the United States in Puerto Rico. The interior complements the exterior, with the fine classical ornamentation in the central Customs hall and the surrounding corridors leading to the offices on both sides. Its primary front is on González Clemente Avenue, the principal street along the waterfront. The present Customhouse replaced a fine two-story Spanish-period Customhouse on the same site that was damaged beyond repair in 1918. The distinguished Customhouse, with its ample grounds, contrast with warehouse and waterfront surroundings. This building was restored completely in 1996.

Source: Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Adapted by: PRHBDS