Why were many colonial buildings in Lima replaced by 19th- and 20th-century structures?

Many colonial buildings in Lima were replaced by 19th- and 20th-century structures primarily due to the devastating impact of major earthquakes that have historically struck the city, causing many colonial residences to collapse.1

Following these structural losses, new buildings were frequently constructed on the sites of the former colonial homes. Additionally, the city has undergone significant urban transformation since the 1930s, leading to the demolition and reconstruction of various parts of old Lima to accommodate modern infrastructure, including banks, insurance offices, law firms, and government offices. While some colonial architecture remains, the city's historic center now features a mix of restored colonial buildings interspersed with these later 19th- and 20th-century developments.1