Eighty years ago, San José presented a distinctly European aesthetic. Today, many of its former buildings stand vacant. This raises the question of why San José lacks a preserved historical center – a “josefino casco histórico”. The original structures of San José have been systematically demolished, transforming the city's architectural landscape. This gradual destruction has resulted in numerous unoccupied buildings, contributing to a sense of lost heritage. While urban development continues, the absence of a preserved historic district represents a significant loss for the capital city. This reflects a shift in priorities away from maintaining the city's historical identity.