The Rio de Janeiro of the early years of Republic still retained much of its colonial urban grid, which by now seemed outdated and anachronistic.

Out of this context came the opening of Central Avenue, part of a major modernization program in Rio de Janeiro following European urban planning and health policies.

The engineer Francisco Pereira Passos was responsible for the reforms, appointed mayor of Rio de Janeiro (Distrito Federal) by President Rodrigues Alves in 1902.

At the same time, Mangue Avenue was opened, Morro do Senado was torn down, the downtown's street were widened, parts of the Guanabara Bay's shore were developed and began the urbanization of Copacabana among other reforms.

The Central Avenue linking the new port city (where the current Praca Maua) to the region glory, which at that time was expanding urbanism.

In stylistic terms, the construction of Central Avenue is the pinnacle of eclectic style monumental in Rio besides government buildings, rose several hotels, corporate offices, newspapers, clubs, etc..