A Bogotá real estate project, the 28-story Torre Barcelona, has become the center of a legal dispute between property owners and the building’s operating firm. The development, designed to offer apartment-style rentals to students, was reportedly initiated by Catalan businessman Manuel ‘Manel’ Grau Pujadas, who has close ties to First Lady Verónica Alcocer.
Catalan entrepreneurs with connections to President Gustavo Petro and Alcocer were involved in the building’s conception, construction, and administration. According to reports, Grau initially showed interest in the land where the tower was built, even as Grupo Solerium handled the construction. Companies linked to Grau then took on the marketing of the residential units, which were initially offered for around 140 million pesos.
Barcelona Export Group, founded by Xavier Vendrell, was also involved in the project’s early stages, with Vendrell confirming his involvement until 2019, when he sold his stake.
Manuel Grau, left, and Eva Ferrer at a meeting with Verónica Alcocer and Pope Francis. Foto:Vatican Media Handout. EFE
Sales began around 2016, and the building was handed over for operation in 2020, with the stipulation that the same management remain in place. The operating contract was awarded to Smart Rooms Colombia S. A. S., which later became The Spot Centro S. A. S. This entity assumed management of the building and the trust created to receive and distribute funds to investors. Reports indicate that Grau was initially listed as the legal representative and owner of the operating company, with control over the trust.
Disputes arose as time went on. Property owners, represented by the firm Defensa Inmobiliaria – representing over 220 unit owners – claim the projected annual return of 7.92% over ten years was not met, with actual returns reportedly closer to 3%, despite estimated annual sales of around 10 billion pesos.
Catalan businessman Manuel Grau Pujadas. Foto:EFE
they are preparing criminal complaints against Smart Rooms, The Spot, and Grau himself, alleging offenses such as fraud, disloyal management, and breach of trust. They have also filed actions with the Financial Superintendency against the trustee, the trust, the operator, and the promoting and construction companies, citing alleged irregularities in the establishment and management of the trust agreement.
The operator, meanwhile, claims they were forcibly removed from administration on January 8th, describing it as a “forced takeover” by property owners and asserting that the situation affects 143 student residents. They have filed police complaints and criminal charges related to the incident. Property owners, however, maintain that it was a peaceful recovery of possession.
As of today, February 15, 2026, Manuel Grau has not publicly commented on the matter.
Redacción Justicia
