Throughout its existence, the building became deteriorated and earned a reputation of São Paulo's biggest vertical cortiço (slum).

[2] The architecture of the building was inspired by modernism and it was first conceived as a solution for popular housing,[2] although it also had space for commercial establishments.

[3] In 1985, the magazine Veja em São Paulo wrote that the building was "perhaps, the biggest concentration of people of the city, (with) three thousand inhabitants, mostly low-paid and informal workers and prostitutes".

Another reason was the suspension of the waste services – rubbish was then simply thrown out of the windows.,[2] with dirty water and food.

[3] At that time the building had already been nicknamed "Balança, mas não Cai" (It Shakes But it Doesn't Fall) and "Treme-Treme".

[3] More people started not to pay the bills when Marta Suplicy announced the implosion of the building in 2003,[2] again with no practical results.

[6] Originally, the building was supposed to be renovated, a project that would cost 6,2 million dollars, in 2002,[3] so that the apartments could be re-sold to former owners mainly.

[10] The Public Defense of the State of São Paulo believe the buildings should be reformed and destined to poor families, since they are located in a special zone of social interest, though the price of the apartments in such an area like the city center would be high.

[11] The companies responsible for bringing the building down were already hired since April 2010, awaiting only the end of the law processes.

The square is supposed to be part of Dom Pedro II Park,[2] although it has also been suggested that a day care or a garage should be built.