The Hacienda is significant for various reasons.
First, it contains the only remaining example of the Barker hydraulic turbine, which was the first reaction type turbine ever made.
It was nominated as a Mechanical Engineering landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in July 1994.

The second reason Hacienda Buena Vista is significant is that it offers one of the best remaining examples of a Puerto Rican coffee plantation.
This is important because in the latter part of the nineteenth century the coffee produced in Puerto Rico and exported to Europe and the United States was considered among the finest in the world.
It is said to have even been the favorite at the Vatican at the time.
Hacienda Buena Vista is also significant because it shows the evolution of the coffee industry in the region.
Various periods can be appreciated.
These range from the cultivation of produce such as plantains (1833–1845); to the production of flour (from rice and corn) (1847–1872).
These products were staples for the subsistence of the local population.
The Hacienda is significant for various reasons. First, it contains the only remaining example of the Barker hydraulic turbine, which was the first reaction type turbine ever made. It was nominated as a Mechanical Engineering landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in July 1994.
The second reason Hacienda Buena Vista is significant is that it offers one of the best remaining examples of a Puerto Rican coffee plantation. This is important because in the latter part of the nineteenth century the coffee produced in Puerto Rico and exported to Europe and the United States was considered among the finest in the world. It is said to have even been the favorite at the Vatican at the time. Hacienda Buena Vista is also significant because it shows the evolution of the coffee industry in the region. Various periods can be appreciated. These range from the cultivation of produce such as plantains (1833–1845); to the production of flour (from rice and corn) (1847–1872). These products were staples for the subsistence of the local population.
Hacienda Buena Vista