La Casa Americana is now the headquarters of NCBA CLUSA in MANPANOR

Casa Americana, Front of Building

Bahía de Caráquez is a picturesque city in the Sucre canton of Manabí province, is celebrated for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. Known as Villa de San Antonio de Morga, it is recognized as the gateway and cradle of Ecuadorian nationality.

The city's history captivates both locals and visitors alike, with its unique landscapes and modern architecture making it one of Ecuador's most distinguished tourist destinations. In 1995, Bahía de Caráquez was designated a Heritage City to recognize its exceptional historical, architectural, and cultural significance.

At the turn of the 20th century, the arrival of European immigrants with liberal ideas infused the city with a cosmopolitan spirit. Later, in 1999, it earned the title of Ecocity due to the environmental practices embraced by its residents, such as waste separation, recycling, and reforestation.

The RADAR project, spearheaded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA CLUSA), aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the ocean. RADAR focuses on revitalizing recycling habits by introducing new environmental practices within the Pacific North Commonwealth (MANPANOR), which includes the Sucre canton.

La Casa Americana, now the headquarters of NCBA CLUSA in MANPANOR and an iconic symbol of Bahía de Caráquez, was constructed by Alberto F. Santos between 1860 and 1877. This rectangular building, encompassing 1,320 m², was originally a family residence. Over the years, it has served multiple purposes, including housing Oblate missionaries, operating as a hotel, hosting commercial establishments, functioning as a railway station, and even accommodating the first electric power generator in the area.

A notable chapter in its history occurred in 1884 when La Casa Americana became the first U.S. consulate in Latin America, a role that earned it its name. With a long history of bilateral cooperation, the current U.S. mission in Ecuador continues to focus on strengthening commercial and economic priorities, addressing climate change, promoting fair and transparent competition, and enhancing trade relations.

The RADAR project works closely with the local community to implement a model centered on improving people's well-being by encouraging better habits and fostering environmental awareness. It also aims to strengthen and connect businesses that, through material recovery, transform waste into innovative and useful products. Furthermore, RADAR supports recyclers by improving their living conditions through the promotion of stable, sustainable, and fair markets for their materials, while also collaborating with municipalities to enhance their management and infrastructure.

Today, La Casa Americana is managed by the Municipality of Sucre Cantón and offers a breathtaking view of the Chone River. Like the resilient people of Bahía de Caráquez, this historic building stands majestic, enduring the passage of time and overcoming challenges along the Alberto F. Santos boardwalk.

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