A viral video published on social media in August 2026 showed the demolition of a helical staircase designed by architect Rogelio Salmona inside a private apartment in Bogota. ^[1] Diego Parra, director of the Instituto Distrital de Patrimonio Cultural (Idpc), stated that modifying cultural heritage assets, even in private properties, is illegal without prior authorization. ^[2] Owners of an apartment in the Altos de Santana complex in Bogotá were fined for unauthorized renovations that altered the internal structure of the building. ^[3] The owners of the apartment may face an economic sanction between 200 and 500 minimum wages. ^[4] A viral video published by an interior design firm showed the demolition of a staircase in an apartment within the Altos de Santana complex in Usaquen, Bogota. ^[5] An unauthorized renovation in one of the apartments at Altos de Santana, a protected cultural heritage building designed by architect Rogelio Salmona, has triggered a controversy in Bogota. ^[6] Diego Parra confirmed that a sanctioning process has already been initiated against the owners for the unauthorized intervention on the protected heritage asset. ^[7] The apartment owners stated in the video that the decision to demolish the staircase was difficult because the original design made the spaces too dark and blocked light. ^[8] Diego Parra, director of the Instituto Distrital de Patrimonio Cultural (IDPC), confirmed that a review process was initiated against the responsible parties due to the unauthorized alteration of the building's internal structure. ^[9] The unauthorized intervention included the removal of a staircase, which is part of the protected elements including conservations of circulations and spaces. ^[10] Social media users expressed strong disapproval of the demolition because the staircase and the entire Altos de Santana complex were designed by the distinguished architect Rogelio Salmona. ^[11] The Altos de Santana building holds a District Cultural Heritage Interest Declaration, which legally requires the protection of its architectural components. ^[12]