This partially attached merchant’s house was built in the late 19th, beginning of the 20th century by Cornelis Hendrik Eman (1865-1914).

The building was most probably built in two stages, the ground floor around 1890, the second – a family dwelling – in the beginning of the 20th century. The ground floor was used for commercial use, aloe vera exportation.

In the 19th century, there were few houses with two floors. In the 20th century, two-floored urban villas with a flat roof became popular among the wealthier class of Oranjestad.

The townhouse is very important because of its historic and architectural value. It is one of the early examples of foreign architecture introduced by wealthy merchants of Aruba in the first half of the 20th century. The property enjoys architectural ensemble value with the adjacent monumental house on Wilhelminastraat 24.

The exterior of this building has been restored and the interior has been renovated while keeping the old staircase, wooden floors and ceiling intact.

Cornelis Eman’s son, Jan Hendrik (‘Henny’) Eman ( 1887-1957) lived in the house built by his father till his death in 1957. He was founder of the first political party on the island, the People’s Party of Aruba, AVP, and protagonist – as of the 1930’s – for the separation and independence from Curaçao, the dominant island in the Dutch Antilles’ constellation.

The townhouse has housed several businesses over the past decades, like the Cursus Succes, where typing courses were given, upstairs.

During the last few decades, it has been known as location for restaurants, like ‘Boonoonoonoo’s’ and currently ‘Que Pasa’ restaurant.