The Law School of the University of São Paulo (USP) has started emergency construction efforts to mitigate damage to the Palácio do Comércio, a historic building that became part of the institution nearly two years ago and suffered a fire on the night of Thursday, the 26th. A city inspection conducted the following day indicated that the building's roof was 'significantly compromised', necessitating immediate action to prevent further deterioration.

Following the authorization for emergency works issued on Friday evening, which was subsequently published in the Official Gazette on Monday, the Law School took swift action to install a temporary roof intended to shield the structure from adverse weather conditions. To further bolster the integrity of the building, structural reinforcements have also been implemented on all floors, with cleanup efforts and roof installation beginning as early as Saturday, the 28th.

Originally inaugurated in 1908 and associated with the early days of the Fecap (Fundação Escola de Comércio Álvares Penteado), the Palácio do Comércio has been recognized as a cultural heritage site by the city since 1987. The ongoing efforts to repair and protect this vital piece of history highlight the challenges and responsibilities of preserving cultural assets in the face of unforeseen incidents like the recent fire.