The harbor was located outside the walls and in the immediate vicinity of the city's major markets. Commercial traffic increased dramatically in the 19th century, requiring the modernization of facilities. A contract for the expansion of the port was signed in 1896 and the project was undertaken by the company of Edmond Bartissol. The old Customs Building, now the Passenger Terminal, designed by Alexander Vallaury and constructed by Eli Modiano, was one of the first buildings built with reinforced concrete. The port’s reconstruction initiated a series of public works aimed at managing public space, as well as introducing new architectural forms, such as a rational and functional design. The rights to operate the port were acquired by the Greek state in 1930.