City government signs agreement with Jockey Club Brasileiro to settle debt.

Historic property in the city center will be ceded to the municipality as part of the payment for overdue ISS (municipal tax) amounts - Marcos de Paula/Rio City Hall

The Rio de Janeiro City Hall and the Brazilian Jockey Club signed an agreement this Wednesday (March 18th) to settle a tax debt of approximately R$ 280 million in ISS (Service Tax). The solution found was mediated by the Municipal Attorney General's Office and provides for the transfer of the social headquarters property, located in downtown Rio de Janeiro, as part of the payment, in addition to the installment payment of the remaining amount.

"This is a place that marks the history of Rio de Janeiro residents. It's great that we can resolve the problem of an institution like the Jockey Club, which is a source of pride for Rio de Janeiro. It's very good for the city center," stated the mayor of Rio, Eduardo Paes.

The agreement represents a strategic solution for the institution's tax regularization, while also opening new possibilities for the use of one of the most emblematic buildings of modernist architecture in Rio de Janeiro. The action aims to further enhance the revitalization of downtown Rio, since the property is located on one of the city's main avenues: Almirante Barroso.

– Today is a day when we celebrate another step in consolidating the city's revitalization, starting from the Center. Since 2009, the city has returned to occupy this incredible area, which has infrastructure, historic buildings, and spaces important to the history of Rio and Brazil. For us, it is a source of pride to make this agreement to continue occupying and revitalizing the Center of Rio – said Deputy Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere.

The president of the Brazilian Jockey Club, Raul Lima Neto, thanked the Rio de Janeiro City Hall for the negotiation that resolves the issue involving the building.

"I have no doubt that this is a historic moment. It was a very transparent negotiation. During my six years as president of the Jockey Club, there was a commitment to being up-to-date with obligations. The building has great historical value, but the members are aware of the need for this transfer to settle the debt."

An icon of Brazilian modernist architecture.

The headquarters of the Brazilian Jockey Club is considered a landmark of national architecture. The building was designed in 1956 by Lúcio Costa, one of the leading figures in urban planning and responsible for the master plan of Brasília.

The building stands out for its innovative concept for the time. The project consists of four interconnected blocks, which integrate different functions such as offices, shops, headquarters, and a parking garage.

Among the main architectural elements are the pilotis, which create a covered public walkway at street level and enhance integration with the city. The roof houses areas for socializing, leisure, and sports activities, reinforcing the concept of mixed use and urban coexistence.