The earthquake that struck Chile in 2010 caused extensive structural damage over a large area of the country. The coastal regions suffered a double blow when a tsunami hit after the seismic shocks, and it has taken the country many years to recover from these natural disasters. The small town of Nancagua, which lies 150 km south of Santiago, did not escape the destruction. One notable building that was severely damaged was the town hall, a former casa patronal, now a national monument. 

 

In 2013 an architectural competition was held, inviting architects to consider strategies for the rebuilding of the town hall. The project proposed by Beals Lyon Arquitectos stood out among the many entries and was selected as the winner.