In 2008, the anchor of the famous Handelskade (Curaçao's waterfront) celebrated its 300th anniversary. This iconic building at the corner of the harbor opposite Government House—the Penha House—is the first dated example of the former merchant's houses built during the prosperous days of the 18th century, and has always occupied a prominent position in the town. Although it has the shape of a merchant's house, it was built for a governor's widow who was the mother-in-law of the governor then in office. Construction on the building started in 1707. After it was sold for the first time in 1733, the house was divided into two parts; this explains why a typical gallery was built in one section earlier than in the other section. In 1837, J.L. Penha & Sons bought the building and made various modifications, such as walling up the galleries and covering them and the main body of the house with stucco ornamentations. The bottom floor was then used by J.L. Penha for his store, which is still open today and is run by his great-grandchildren. Penha stores have become one of the top cosmetic, perfume, cologne and apparel stores in the Caribbean. Inside, only the main features of the original plan are left. This was due to the fact that the structure was used at an early date for commercial purposes, later as a club building and most recently, as a shop.
In 2008, the anchor of the famous Handelskade (Curaçao's waterfront) celebrated its 300th anniversary. This iconic building at the corner of the harbor opposite Government House—the Penha House—is the first dated example of the former merchant's houses built during the prosperous days of the 18th century, and has always occupied a prominent position in the town. Although it has the shape of a merchant's house, it was built for a governor's widow who was the mother-in-law of the governor then in office. Construction on the building started in 1707. After it was sold for the first time in 1733, the house was divided into two parts; this explains why a typical gallery was built in one section earlier than in the other section. In 1837, J.L. Penha & Sons bought the building and made various modifications, such as walling up the galleries and covering them and the main body of the house with stucco ornamentations. The bottom floor was then used by J.L. Penha for his store, which is still open today and is run by his great-grandchildren. Penha stores have become one of the top cosmetic, perfume, cologne and apparel stores in the Caribbean. Inside, only the main features of the original plan are left. This was due to the fact that the structure was used at an early date for commercial purposes, later as a club building and most recently, as a shop.
