• Architect: Manuel Gómez Román
• Built: 1921
• Address: C/ Príncipe, 44

The Centro de Instrucción Mercantil was founded in 1891 as an association to promote mercantile studies. By the early twentieth century it became the Industrial and Mercantile Association (Círculo Mercantil e Industrial).

The association’s head office was to change location several times. When headed by Bernardo Bernárdez, the association acquired the building on calle Príncipe with the intention of building new premises. However, in the end lack of finance meant that the existing building could only be restored. Restoration work started in 1921 and concluded the following year.

A few years later, in 1925, as the number of members increased, the facilities were extended, designed by the same architect as before, Manuel Gómez Román.

The building is eclectic in style with a classicist design.

The main features on the Velázquez Moreno side are the galleried windows spanning the whole central part of the façade. Above this there is a balcony and the façade concludes with alternating windows and pilasters that act as a false entablement.

Decorative elements are used sparingly and only appear on the columns and pilasters and the corbels that support the gallery.

The building was officially opened on 28th of September 1927 by Their Majesties King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia.