Which architect was responsible for designing the building standing on the original site of a Spanish explorer, conquistador, and first Governor of Puerto Rico?
Juan Ponce de León Juan Ponce de León (] ; 1474 – July 1521) was a Spanish explorer and "conquistador". He became the first Governor of Puerto Rico by appointment of the Spanish crown. He led the first known European expedition to "La Florida", which he named during his first voyage to the area in 1513. Though in popular culture, he was supposedly searching for the Fountain of Youth, there is no contemporary evidence to support the story, which is likely a myth.
Salvador de Vives Salvador de Vives Rodó (1784–1845) was a Puerto Rican politician and Mayor of Ponce, Puerto Rico from 1840 to 1842 and then again from 1844 to 1845. He was the son of Quirse Vives and Ana Maria Rodo. He was a wealthy coffee plantation owner who established the now historic Hacienda Buena Vista. Under de Vives' administration as mayor, the now historic Ponce City Hall was built. De Vives trusted the design of City Hall to prominent architect Francisco Gil Capó. The trees in Plaza Las Delicias are due to De Vives' direction.