The restoration and rehabilitation of Mérida’s Historic Center began with a significant mistake in 1974 when “El Olimpo” was demolished, according to Dr. Marco Tulio Peraza Guzmán, an architecture expert. Despite this, the process has seen both successes and failures, gradually reviving the area in the 21st century.
Dr. Peraza, head of the Postgraduate and Research Unit at the Faculty of Architecture of UADY, noted that various administrations have aimed to rescue these urban remnants. The oldest initiative is the facade restoration, which focuses on improving street surroundings. However, the comprehensive rescue of old houses in the Historic Center has been driven by a growing market and interest from both local and foreign buyers.
Challenges and Progress in Yucatán’s Restoration Efforts
The main challenge in preserving Mérida’s heritage lies in the limited financial resources of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). Restoration efforts often require collaboration with individuals or organizations interested in heritage preservation. Dr. Peraza emphasized the importance of reusing buildings to ensure their restoration is meaningful.
The Ateneo building, for example, is undergoing a transformation to restore its old spaces and correct previous restoration shortcomings. Despite many challenges, including the risk to numerous historic buildings, the Historic Center of Mérida remains the second largest in the country, with many structures still awaiting rescue.
The Role of Academic Institutions and Tourism
Academic institutions, particularly the Faculty of Architecture at UADY, have played a crucial role in restoration projects since 1975. Notable initiatives include converting the Cuartel de Dragones into the Centro Cultural del Niño Yucatán and creating the first Partial Plan of the Historic Center in 1993. The faculty also collaborated with UNAM on the master plan for La Plancha park.
Tourism has become a vital tool for heritage rescue, with cultural tourism driving significant numbers worldwide. Dr. Peraza highlighted the importance of balancing local values with tourism and leisure, as investments in historical centers benefit everyone, not just tourists.
Source: Diario de Yucatan
