Mexico City Report

Harvard University Graduate School of Design Center for Urban Development Studies
Historic Center of Mexico City
DIAGNOSTIC SUMMARY * ANNEXES * CD-ROM
June 2003
STUDY TEAM Franois Vigier, Director Liz Melndez San Miguel, Research Associate Luis Valenzuela, Research Assistant Elda Solloso, Research Assistant
The Center for Urban Development Studies research on the Historic Center of Mexico City was prepared with financial support from the Historic Center Foundation and was undertaken in collaboration with: Adrian Pandal, Director, Historic Center Foundation Enrique Martn Moreno, Research Affiliate
Front Cover Image: World Heritage in Mexico. Fondo Editorial de la Plastica Mexicana, Mexico D.F., 1998.
Historic Center Mexico City
Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies
DEVELOPING A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY HISTORICAL SUMMARY GOVERNMENT STRUCTURES FEDERAL DISTRICT OF MEXICO CITY CUAUTHMOC DELEGATION VENUSTIANO CARRANZA DELEGATION OTHER GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONS AND NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS PLANS AND PROGRAMS KEY ISSUES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HISTORIC CENTER REGIONAL ISSUES FEDERAL DISTRICT INTERMEDIATE ISSUES CUAUTHMOC AND VENUSTIANO CARRANZA LOCAL ISSUES HISTORIC CENTER ENDNOTES ANNEXES ANNEX I: NUMERICAL DATA CENSUS DATA ECONOMIC AND EMPLOYMENT DATA TRANSPORT DATA OTHER RELEVANT DATA ON THE HISTORIC CENTER ANNEX II: NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS ANNEX III: LAND USE MAPS REFERENCES CD-ROM
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Developing a Comprehensive Strategy Background As Mexico City continues to grow, the social and economic issues facing planners and city officials will become increasingly complex to negotiate and resolve. For those working to rehabilitate the Historic Center, the greatest challenge is the elaboration of a comprehensive development strategy that will promote local growth objectives in light of its physical, social, political and economic characteristics. A strategy to re-establish the Centers position in the mega-city needs to address its changing role and the multiple concerns and objectives of the Centers residents and its business and commercial community. The preservation and rehabilitation of the area can only be conceived within the broader context of factors that have affected the area, transforming its economic base and contributing to the progressive deterioration of its social and built environment: The massive loss of residents experienced between 1970 and 1995; The relocation of important business and cultural activities traditionally housed in the area to new suburban nodes of development; The consequent deterioration of the built environment, also due to disinvestments and absentee owners; The loss of employment in the formal sector that fostered the rapid development of the informal commercial sector; A drastic reduction in housing availability as buildings were rapidly being transformed into commercial, warehouse and business uses; An increase in lower income and socially vulnerable groups living in unsanitary conditions and high-risk housing; An increase in vehicular traffic, in part due to inadequate public transportation and; The rapid deterioration of the historic fabric. A Comprehensive Strategy Throughout the decade of the 90s numerous institutions were created and plans developed to foster a process of recuperation for the area. The Strategic Plan for the Regeneration and Integral Development of the Historic Center, prepared by the Historic Center Trusteeship was an integrated plan based on four strategies targeted to respond to the core issues that affect the area through: (a) the reestablishment of centrality; (b) the regeneration of housing; (c) economic development and; (d) social development. Although these strategies and their corresponding lines of action presented a strong comprehensive approach, the plan lacked institutional continuity due to the reorganization of the Trusteeship, and supporting programs and projects were never implemented. Nevertheless, the strategies and lines of action presented in the plan are still relevant to the current situation of the Historic Center and could very well serve as the basis for a 2
development strategy for the area. A comprehensive strategy however, needs to focus not only on the identification of the core issues upon which the sustainable and continued growth and development of the area can be based but also on the development of economically and financially feasible projects and programs that can ensure its success by: Promoting the development of the sectors that can give the Historic Center a competitive advantage over other commercial, business and residential centers in the City; Creating a favorable environment for business and commercial development, offering transparent incentives to attract private investors; Providing the infrastructure needed to promote and sustain growth in the area while considering alternative ways of dealing with the precarious nature of the site; Developing a land management strategy that can respond effectively to the dynamics of development within the broader urban agglomeration; Developing an appropriate housing strategy to respond effectively to the current needs of the community as well as the demand for new housing; Defining an institutional structure and regulatory framework that can deal comprehensively and effectively with the specific issues that affect the Historic Center as a whole - Perimeters A and B - by supporting and coordinating the actions of the two delegations with jurisdiction, Cuauthmoc and Venustiano Carranza; Identifying the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in the implementation of the strategies; Developing a participatory program that will promote community involvement in the development of strategies, programs and actions, keeping the residents and businesses involved in the decision making process; Recommending priority interventions to be undertaken and; Developing appropriate indicators to measure the effectiveness of these interventions and their impact on the community. Planning Framework The challenges faced in the rehabilitation of the Historic Center are not unique; however, the magnitude of the issues is compounded by the size of the area, the exceedingly rapid growth of Mexico City and the precarious nature of the site. Pragmatic approaches and flexible mechanisms are needed to create opportunities for the development of growth sectors capable of driving the areas economy, in order to attract new investment and ensure that the benefits of growth are equitably distributed. A planning framework based on instruments such as those presented below can be used in the formulation of a strategy and an action plan for the preservation and revitalization of the Historic Center: 1. Development of a strategy for the revitalization and preservation of the Historic Center A priority when formulating an operational strategy for the revitalization of the 3
Historic Center is to ensure its integration and coordination with the current plans, projects and programs organized and managed by the different levels of governments and NGOs. Integration is imperative in order to coordinate proposals and avoid conflicting actions among the different parties involved. Reaching a broad consensus among all parties at the federal, district, delegation and community levels is critical in ensuring the implementation of the strategy and in reestablishing the position of the district within its context. Therefore the new plan shall focus not only on the Historic core itself but also on the surrounding impact zone and the major links to other important development nodes in the city. An effective revitalization strategy will result in greater benefits from current investments in infrastructure and housing, opening up new employment opportunities in the area. 2. Development of a master plan for Perimeters A and B A significant step in the revitalization of the area is the preparation and implementation of a spatial development plan that stems from the revitalization strategy and reexamines and redefines the existing perimeters for action. Specific intervention strategies and the establishment of strategic nodes for action shall recognize and attend to the development of incentives necessary to attract private investment. 3. Focusing on infrastructure, safety and public space to be the catalysts for upgrading and revitalizing the built environment Public investment in infrastructure, safety and public space act as incentives to foster private investment in the process of revitalization of the degraded built environment. Projects like the current infrastructure and faade improvements led by the Trusteeship foster and encourage private investment initiatives in housing, office and commercial buildings. The development of infrastructure projects in the area needs to be comprehensively linked to the spatial development plan and the strategic nodes identified as catalysts in the recuperation process. 4. Devising a concise regulatory framework for new construction and the rehabilitation of existing structures A critical objective of a concise regulatory framework is to develop simple and effective controls that local authorities are able and willing to enforce. The effectiveness of these regulations is reinforced by their integration in an operational strategy framework as well as their articulation within the spatial development plan.
5. Capitalize on development opportunities in strategically located parcels to launch the revitalization process Buildings and land in public ownership and strategically located sites offer opportunities to introduce projects that act as catalysts in reversing the dynamics leading to deterioration and loss of older buildings. They can also become a revenue source for the local authorities. A Sectoral Approach Using as a basis the strategic outline developed by the Trusteeship it is possible to consider a sectoral approach that takes into account the local and regional dynamics affecting the Historic Center. This approach requires extensive documentation and analysis of the fundamental determinants of change and transformation of the area however, we propose a simple outline of possible objectives based on background material collected, interviews and the proposed strategies outlined in the Strategic Plan for the Regeneration and Integral Development of the Historic Center. 1. Re-establish the role of the Historic Center The issue of centrality and the role of the historic center within the context of the megacity are fundamental to its revitalization, sustainability and future development. In order to achieve this goal it is not only important to consider issues of access and recuperation of the area, but also to foster private investment and the insertion of new uses that can operate as catalysts for new developments, housing and employment. Actions Develop a comprehensive vision for the Historic Center that leads action programs and prioritizes investment opportunities by identifying the sectors that can give the Historic Center a competitive advantage over other commercial, business and residential centers in the City. Focus public investment in infrastructure, safety and the revitalization of the urban image, particularly the recuperation of public space. Address major corridors leading to and from the Center to ensure its integration to the City, improve accessibility and foster development opportunities.
Map shows major roadways leading to the Historic core of the city (1858 growth shown in red). The areas of Roma and Condesa, which have seen major recuperation in the past decade and are a competing center for residential uses are highlighted in yellow.
Adapted from Map 2.5.3: Expansion of Mexico City 1858-1910 and Map 5.4.2: Primary Roads from La Ciudad de Mexico en el fin del segundo milenio.
2. Foster economic development The identification of new sectors that will diversify the current economic base of the area is essential to the reassertion of a role for the Historic Center within the mega-city. In addition it is necessary to consider and analyze the feasibility of desired developments to determine the nature of fiscal incentives necessary to jumpstart private investment in the area. Actions Foster the development of sectors such as tourism taking advantage of existing opportunities. Develop reasonable and effective guidelines and regulations for the control of street vendors and informal commercial activities that can be implemented by local authorities. Develop an investment incentive program that is linked to development areas and nodes, and the implementation of projects contributing to heritage preservation and land use desirability.
Map shows commercial activity in the area. Zcalo is highlighted in red. Plan 6, Proyecto Centro Histrico.
Map shows hotels in the area. Zcalo is highlighted in red. Plan 7, Proyecto Centro Histrico.
3. Foster the development of alternative land uses in the area, particularly focusing on increasing housing opportunities For many years the Historic Center has served as the primary commercial center of the mega-city. In order to sustain any revitalization effort it is necessary that land uses in the area be more balanced particularly by allowing a residential community to thrive and become invested in the issues currently holding back development in the Center.
Actions Foster the re-location of cultural institutions and other uses into the area to replace the voids left by the departure of institutions like the UNAM (university). Invest in the rehabilitation of housing in the area particularly by focusing on the adaptive reuse of historic buildings that are currently underutilized or housing uses incompatible with the development of housing. Foster private investment and development of housing through the use of fiscal incentives and concise permit processes. Intervene without delay to relocate and work out housing alternatives for families living in precarious and unsanitary conditions.
Map of predominant land uses from La Ciudad de Mexico en el fin del segundo milenio.
Map showing potential housing derived from zoning and guidelines established by the Partial Programs. From: UNAM Housing Diagnostic.
4. Develop social inclusion programs A revitalization strategy for the area needs to support the participation and inclusion of residents to ensure its success. This is of particular importance for lower income and vulnerable groups, which in the case of the Historic Center represent a significant and growing portion of the population. Actions Improve social support systems such as schools, health and cultural facilities that can not only attract a new group of residents to the area but also support and improve the quality of life of existing residents particularly lower income and socially vulnerable groups. Implement programs and projects, such as job training workshops and child day care centers to develop the skills of the residents enabling them to become active and productive partners in the recuperation process. Organize and coordinate government institutions and private NGOs working to improve living conditions in the area. Design and implement community participation programs that develop a sense of ownership and empower residents to be agents of change by participating in the local decision making process.
Map of socioeconomic indicator data by ward from La Ciudad de Mexico en el fin del segundo milenio. The delegations of Cuauthmoc and Venustiano Carranza are highlighted.
5. Coordinate and consolidate institutional activities and regulatory frameworks Consolidating institutional activities and developing concise and effective regulatory frameworks is fundamental to the success and implementation of programs and projects thus minimizing institutional overlap. It is particularly important to make information available and accessible to residents, private investors and other stakeholders so that they may become active and effective participants of the recuperation process. Actions Devise, implement and enforce a concise and feasible regulatory framework that is in tune not only with the requirements necessary to preserve and develop a historic district but also with a coordinated development strategy and sensitive to the pressures of private investors. Consolidate institutional activities by designating or creating a single institution that has the capacity and authority to coordinate and implement regulatory frameworks, spatial development plans and economic and social development projects and programs.
Informal vendor occupancy of streets (red) and monuments ( orange) as well as obstruction of primary schools (blue). From: UNAM Housing Diagnostic.
The following sections provide the background material for these recommendations. 9
Historical Summary
Although the Valley of Mexico, located in the southeastern central part of the country, was first inhabited some 22 thousand years ago, the founding of Mxico Tenochtitln is recorded in 1325 when the Aztecs settled in a small island on Lake Texcoco. The Valley, naturally made up of a network of waterways and lakes, presented and is still characterized by a series of precarious natural conditions that have made settlements difficult to maintain throughout the centuries. It is naturally prone to earthquakes and flooding, and presents great difficulties in accessing drinking water and propensity to plagues. Throughout its history, settlements in the Valley including modern day Mexico City itself have engaged in large projects meant to stabilize natural and built conditions in order to make the area inhabitable and safe. Perhaps the largest of these projects was the slow drainage of lakebed water resources in a project that begun in the sixteenth century and continued up to 1900.
From the Historic Center Trusteeship website.
Upon arrival of the Spanish settlers, a new City was erected above the existing Tenochtitln. Although the new colonial settlement destroyed much of the buildings and structures that were part of the Aztec city, it preserved the existing fabric that extended to various smaller settlements in other islands and at the foot of the surrounding hills. The city was connected to land through a series of main streets or calzadas that are still etched in the citys fabric: Tenayuca presently known as Vallejo, Tlacopan known as Mxico Tacuba, Iztapalapa known as Tlalpan, and Tepeyac known as Misterios. Four indigenous barrios are also still evident (their original nhuatl names preceded by the Christian name): San Juan Moyotla, Santa Mara Tlaquechiucan, San Sebastin and San Pedro Teopan. Upon the countrys independence from the Spanish government, the City was notably changed, doubling its population between 1821 and 1845. The expropriation of Church property, originally designed to limit the influence of the institution, gave way to the development of public works projects and housing developments that resulted in the destruction of numerous convents and monuments. During this time the city is noted to have lost its noble gardens and patios. It is only after French occupation and during the time known as the porfiriato (named after Porfirio Diaz President), that the layout of the City is again transformed by the extension of French-style boulevards, like Reforma. Through a number of foreign investment incentives, the government is able to improve City services and connect with the periphery through the extension of rail lines. However these investments did not help to resolve the housing crisis or the accelerated deterioration of monuments in the City. After the end of the revolution in 1910, the city again suffered a number of transformations and it was only in the 1930s that through a series of new legislations, 10
certain areas of the historic city were protected such as Zcalo, Moneda St. and various other predominant buildings. At this time the city was also recognized to be the city of greatest cultural importance in the American continent. These early decrees for protection revealed the growing concern over the continual decline of the citys urban structure and its uncontrolled growth. The city, which at the time of independence had 130,000 inhabitants, had grown to 1.230 million inhabitants by 1930. In 1934, the National Institute for Anthropology and History catalogued 768 monuments, of which 422 were demolished that same year. At that time the city hosted a variety of uses ranging from public administrative offices, to the National University of Mexico (UNAM), a financial center, private offices, and mayor businesses. These uses slowly encroached upon the residential areas of the city, which were slowly being occupied by rural immigrants, and its traditional residential population began moving towards new developments in Guerrero, Nueva Santa Mara, San Rafael, Jurez and San Miguel Tacubaya. During the 1940s rent control was established as an emergency measure and has remained place for over 50 years. Rent control, together with the migration of residents of the Historic Center toward new development nodes, resulted in the rapid expansion of the city and the residential abandonment of the area. Commercial and retail uses began prevailing in the area and are the primary uses still today, although, primary financial institutions have also left. In 1954, the UNAM left the city for a new university district Ciudad Universitaria. During the decade of 1950 to 1960, new roads were built to respond to the growing traffic concerns, such as avenues 20 de Noviembre and San Juan de Letrn. These new access roads would soon be home to new private investments that would eventually result in the displacement of the major financial uses that were located in the traditional center. The displacement of these major uses resulted in the continual loss of population in the area, the slow deterioration of the physical and social environment of the neighborhoods of the center and the dislodgment of the Historic Center as the central node of the City. In 1968, the metro opened its first lines with the hope of alleviating growth and concentrating development in certain areas. However, the city continued growing at an alarming rate, particularly in 1979 and 1980, forcing the development of a new highway system linking new developments to the historic center and the traditional urban fabric. In April of 1980, as a direct consequence of the rehabilitation of the Templo Mayor, federal legislation was developed recognizing and safeguarding the historic center as Historical Monument Zone. The legislation defined an area of 668 blocks, 9.1 square kilometers (of the 600 sq. km. of the City) and delineated it within two perimeters: A(3.2 sq.km.), which covered much of the colonial city and monuments, and B(5.9 sq.km.), which acted as a buffer zone. The legislation recognized the existence of: 67 religious monuments, 129 civil monuments, 542 buildings included by an earlier legislation in 1972, 743 valuable buildings to be conserved, 111 environmentally 11
valuable buildings to be conserved, 6 modern temples, 17 buildings linked to historical events or people, 78 plazas and gardens, 19 cloisters, 26 fountains or commemorative monuments, 13 museums or galleries, and 23 sites or buildings with mural paintings. In December of 1987, UNESCO declared the Historic Center a World Heritage Site. With the designation of the Center, came great interest in revitalizing the area and balancing land uses to promote the return of a residential population to the Center. Tragically these projects came to a halt when, in September 1985, the City was struck by devastating earthquakes that took the lives of over 10,000 residents and caused damage to hundreds of buildings. Over 100,000 housing units were lost. One of the areas that was most affected in the city was the Historic Center due to the vulnerability of its dry lakebed foundation. In the aftermath of the disaster numerous projects were developed, in particular to stabilize structures in the area, demolish unstable buildings and rebuild housing units for the new homeless. In 1989, the National Development Plan of 1989-1994 established, as a goal, the recuperation and preservation of the Historic Center, and presented a program for the integral redevelopment of the area. Due to the lack of financial resources, the Delegation created partnership programs with business and nongovernmental organizations in the area. The Delegation would provide the workers, equipment and supervision of works and the businesses of the area would provide the financial resources necessary to cover the costs of construction materials, landscaping and urban furniture. Donations to the government from the businesses were held in accounts by street and each disbursement from the accounts had to be authorized by the Purchasing Committee which included three representatives of the street, one from the Cuauthmoc Delegation and one from the Historic Center Trusteeship. The government also instituted a number of incentives such as the reduction of real estate depreciation periods from twenty years to ten, that is to say 10% annually rather than the previous 5%. In addition, the Federal District implemented a tax exemption of 100% of the property tax. Taxes over real estate acquisition and fees for the licensing of works and inscription in the public register were also waived for the length of the project. In addition, investors were allowed to transfer development rights to other parts of the city. The rehabilitation program also promoted the relocation of street vendors to 37 new public markets through the Program for the Improvement of Popular Business. In all, the program saw the restoration of over 500 buildings with an estimated investment of over 1 million pesos. Ironically, ten years later, the Center is currently undergoing a similar program, under the coordination of a reorganized Trusteeship. As outlined in the Partial Plan for the Historic Center, the last three decades of abandonment and ineffective investment in the Historic Center have resulted in the physical and social decline of the area. The loss of population has been compounded by the deterioration and eventual loss of culturally significant buildings and sites, the degradation of public space, the severe deterioration of its infrastructure and public 12
services and, increased levels of criminal activity in the area. The lack of a comprehensive economic and social development strategy for the Historic Center has allowed the development of an informal economy that has taken over the public space in the area, resulting in conflicts between the existing residential population, established businesses and, floating populations and street vendors.
An important conclusion drawn in the partial plan is that with the exception of the areas of Zcalo and the cultural-tourism corridor (Alameda-Zcalo), public and private investments in the Center have been scarce and have been concentrated along the principal roadways that cross and bound the Historic Center. Rehabilitation programs such as Renovacin Habitacional Popular, Fase II and more recently, Casa Propia, and the creation of the Trusteeship for the Historic Center (the original private institution), although important for their contributions, have not been able to revert the social and physical decline of the area, primarily due to their limited institutional capacity and the limited nature of their punctual interventions. ii Although the Historic Center has yet to undergo an enduring renaissance it continues to be an important metropolitan node due to its location, tradition and historical patrimony, economic base, transportation network and the services it provides for the rest of the city. With an estimated population of approximately 100,000 residents (out of the 22 million in the metropolitan area of the City) and a floating population of about 4.2 millioniii, the Historic Center still remains as the area with the largest concentration of commercial and cultural activities in the country.
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Polanco
Historic Center
Lomas de Chapultepec
New University District
Map showing major corridors of city expansion.
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Government Structures The Historic Center of Mexico City (the area identified within perimeters A and B) is shared by two delegations, Cuauthmoc and Venustiano Carranza, with boundary on Eje Central Oeste. These delegations fall under the central administration of the Federal District, which in turn is below the Federal authorities of the country. Following is information on some of the government structures that have jurisdiction over the Historic Center.
Map of Federal District and Associated Municipalities in the State of Mexico.
Federal District of Mexico City The Federal District of Mexico City is the home of the federal government of Mexico. It is divided into 16 delegations. As a District, it is presided over by an elected Chief of Government. The following departments are under his governance: Government Secretariat Housing and Urban Development Secretariat Economic Development Secretariat Secretariat for the Environment Public Works and Services Secretariat Social Development Secretariat Health Secretariat Finance Secretariat Transportation Secretariat Public Safety Secretariat Tourism Secretariat General Department of Justice of the Federal District Office of Administrative Resources General Accounting Office of the Federal District Legal Services and Judicial Counseling Office Housing and Urban Development Secretariat (Secretara de Desarrollo Urbano y Vivienda) The (Housing and Urban Development Secretariat), in particular, is dedicated to matters relating to the planning and development of the urban environment and its real estate. In particular it is charged with: Proposing, coordinating and executing public urban planning policies, and coordinating and evaluating urban planning programs and studies in compliance with the laws on human settlement and urban development in the federal district; Formulating, coordinating and evaluating the General Urban Development Program for the Federal District; Elaborating and submitting to the Chief of Government, the delegation and partial urban development programs; 15
Intervene as described under the Law for the Urban Development of the Federal District in modifying the General Program, Partial and Delegation Programs; Provide technical assistance to the Districts delegations, when necessary, in the execution of programs for urban development; Establish policies, strategies, actions and technical systems for urban planning in the District; Coordinate the integration of the General Urban Development Program with the Delegation, Partial and Sectoral Programs, update them and evaluate their results; Develop urban engineering and architectural projects; Develop regulations and work with other governmental institutions in public works of restoration where it is necessary; Propose and enforce regulations and criteria for permits, authorizations, and licenses as provided by the Law for the Urban Development of the Federal District, as well as, issues dealing with land use; Propose areas to be expropriated through eminent domain; Study, evaluate and propose areas to be acquired as land reserves for urban development in short, medium and long term plans; Develop the technical and administrative mechanisms necessary for urban development in general; Promote real estate investment in the public and private sector for housing, services and the development of programs developed from the General Urban Development Program; Coordinate the activities of the institutions dealing with boundaries and names in the Federal District; Register and supervise the activities of consultants and directors responsible for public works; Authorize and monitor works dealing with the exploitation of natural sand and stone resources; revoke permits when works are not within legal and/or administrative boundaries and rehabilitate mining areas for urban development; Formulate, promote and coordinate the development and execution of housing programs in the Federal District and; Revise urban impact studies taking into account the directives noted by the Secretariat for the Environment, issuing or revoking land use permits.
Tourism Secretariat iv (Secretara de Turismo) The Tourism Secretariat seeks to integrate the various images of the City of Mexico together with new urban development initiatives that accentuate the idiosyncrasies of the Capital. To this end, two corridors have been established: Reforma-Zcalo and Zcalo-Baslica.
Map of Interventions from Tourism Secretariat.
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The projects are designed to: o Recuperate the urban fabric of the corridor; o Rescue, improve and expand open spaces for pedestrians o Revitalize and rehabilitate urban space; o Foster housing in the area; o Offer incentives for investment and development; Establish an integrated development planning process; o Offer safety and confidence to citizens and; o Improve infrastructure and services in the area. As part of these programs investments will be made in the areas of lighting, safety, waste management, public transport, and urban development. In addition, a new transport system has been established for tourists with the Turibus. The double-decker buses follow a 35-kilometer route that links the Chapultepec museum area with the Historic Center incorporating 25 stops. Each bus is equipped with narrative recordings in five languages and has room for 71 passengers.
The partial program for the Historic Center defines a tourism zone in Perimeter A bound by: Eje Central to the east, Tacuba St. to the north, Venustiano Carranza Delegation to the south and Zocalo to the west. This area is characterized by a large concentration of businesses, restaurants, bars, cafes and exclusive jewelry, clothes and sports shops. Some international chain hotels are also located in this area.
Turibus image and map
Reforma-Alameda-Centro Histrico Corridor. From the Tourism Secretariat.
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Historic Center Trusteeship (Fideicomiso del Centro Histrico) In December of 1990, the Historic Center Trusteeship was created with the mission of promoting, managing and coordinating the public and private institutions responsible for the execution of works and services that would promote the recuperation, protection and conservation of the historic center. v During its early history the Trusteeship was particularly dedicated to providing technical assistance in projects in the Historic Center. Originally created as an NGO, it served under various mandates enacting projects aimed at promoting the rehabilitation and repopulation of the Historic Center. The office was restructured as a public institution in 2001 serving directly under the mandate of the District Chief of Government. Currently, it is working on the rehabilitation of an urban nucleus of 34 blocks and more than 500 buildings, within the boundary of Donceles, Venustiano Carranza, Eje Central and 5 de Febrero streets. The area is seen as the heart of the Historic Center and a viable catalyst for future investment. The office has received a budget of 500 million Mexican pesos and investing in the following projects during Phase I: Infrastructure - The complete replacement of water and sewerage networks in the four streets that have been determined to be severely in need due to great deterioration: 5 de Mayo, Bolivar, Isabel la Catlica and Madero. More than 3 thousand linear meters of new lines will be put in and paving and sidewalks will be redone. Partial infrastructure improvements will be made on Donceles, Tacuba, 16 de Septiembre, Venustiano Carranza, Condesa, Marconi, Gante, Filomeno Mata, Xicontncatl, Motolina, Palma, 5 de Febrero, Monte de Piedad and Republica de Brasil streets. Electric and telephone lines will be replaced as a first phase. It is expected that during the next year water and sewerage networks may be replaced. Faade Upgrade The development of regulation for street signage, awnings and faades for an area covering 74 blocks, 615 buildings 218 of which are of historic character. This project has required the cooperation of various public and private entities, and initiated a participatory process in which 13 Citizen Groups have been 18
Trusteeship rehabilitation project, Madero St.
created to work with the Trusteeship and eventually acquire ownership of the projects. Street Lighting Existing lighting fixtures will be cleaned and painted, new lighting will be installed where necessary and if possible some historic buildings will be lit at night. Urban Furniture Existing urban furniture will be reduced, replaced and reorganized in the area of the designated 34 blocks to ease pedestrian transit. New signage will be installed in accordance with the new regulations for street signage
Trusteeship rehabilitation project, Madero St.
In addition to the programs limited to the urban nucleus of 34 blocks, the Trusteeship will invest two other areas in the Historic Center: (a) The rehabilitation of Repblica de Guatemala and Argentina streets as part of a cooperation agreement between the governments of Spain and Mexico. The Spanish government will invest $50,000 USD in the project. (b) The recuperation of Alameda Central with investments for the improvement of landscaping, paving, urban furniture and illumination. As part of this project, buildings on Independencia, Luis Moya, Dolores streets and Jurez Avenue severely damaged during the 1985 earthquake will be demolished to make room for a new public square, Plaza Jurez. vi
Vendors on Monte de Piedad St. Plaza on Tacuba St. before and after occupation by squatters
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The Trusteeship is also coordinating projects with other government agencies such as: Roadways, transport and parking Considering that over 350 thousand vehicles transit through the Historic Center daily and only 125 thousand actually visit the center, the Trusteeship is coordinating with other government agencies to: o Redesign street flow; o Enforce existing parking regulations particularly against parking on public ways; o Analyze the existing Project for the Regulation of Cargo Transport in the Historic Center; o Study the possibility of regularizing the network of public transport in some of the streets in the Historic Center and; o Considering the current shortage of parking space with only 16,582 parking spaces available in 185 lots, the Trusteeship will study the possibility of locating new parking garages in the Center. Street cleaning and trash collection Considering that 1,452 tons of waste are generated daily in the Historic Center, the Trusteeship: o Will redesign a system for waste collection that works with the new street flow and; o Will improve collection and exit efficiency in the area starting with a pilot program to be conducted in the 34 blocks. Street vendors An estimated 30 thousand street vendors operate in the Historic Center on a daily basis. The Sub secretary of Government of the Federal District, the Secretary of Public Safety and the Cuauthmoc Delegation have established round table talks to deal with the issue of street commerce and hope to work together to limit the number of vendors and the area they occupy in the Historic Center. Public Safety A recuperation program for the Center will be enacted, which requires the increase of security personnel, equipment modernization and efficient communication systems. In addition, a pilot program will be established in Perimeter A with the cooperation of the Public Safety Secretariat. Citizen Participation The Trusteeship is working with the residents and businesses of the urban nucleus in the rehabilitation of the area. Thirteen citizen support groups have been created (one in every street intervened). Each group has selected 2-4 representatives that work together with the Trusteeship in the development, management and maintenance of the projects. A citizens Finance Committee is required to verify and sign off on all disbursements and investments made by the Trusteeship. In addition, businesses have been invited to regularize signs and awnings with the design assistance of the Trusteeship. Once the works are finalized, each citizen support group will sign a symbolic agreement in which they become owners and caretakers of the public works.
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Cuauthmoc Delegation The Cuauthmoc Delegation represents the seventh largest economy of the country with 36% of public administrative offices within its boundaries and 40% of the total cultural assets of the Federal District. It has the most important educational infrastructure, medical services, water supply system, drainage, and electricity. It is a strategic region for the development of the Federal District and the country and, therefore, its economic development is of primary importance. The Delegation seeks to foster the rehabilitation of the Historic Center, the revival of artist neighborhoods such as Roma, Condesa and Santa Mara la Ribera, the rescue of traditional barrios, and the restoration of historical monuments, fountains and sculptures.
Map of Cuauthmoc Delegation with zoning.
It is divided into Subdelegations, one of which corresponds to the Historic Center. Although the Partial Program for the area identifies the Subdelegation of the Historic Center as coordinator of the efforts for the execution of the Program for the rehabilitation of the Historic Center, this task has been taken over by other government institutions such as the Historic Center Trusteeship. It is also working on a housing program for the rehabilitation of housing in the Center and the detection of high-risk housing. Participatory Budget The Subdelegation led a participatory budget process for the elaboration of the 2002 budget. Representatives from 70 housing projects participated. A total of 3,551 neighbors from the Historic Center participated.
General Facts Surface area (hectares) Urban area Conservation area Number of colonies and areas Demographics Population Density Housing Occupied housing units Persons per household 1980 734,277 226 198,530 3.7
3,244 3,244 0 34 1990 595,960 167.7 157,079 3.4 2000 515,182 144.9 150,106 3.4
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Venustiano Carranza Delegation V. Carranza Delegation has created an institution that will coordinate activities in the areas of Perimeter B that fall under the Delegations jurisdiction. These activities are primarily focused on issues of social service provision and the rehabilitation of the La Merced (which falls under the districts partial plan). The Delegations activities in the area have primarily been focused on the enforcement of regulations that prohibit street vendors in the area as well as the strict supervision of the existing public markets. However, it is important to note that street vendor occupation of public spaces and roads is still one of the key problems of the area and, will require a coordinated effort between public and private institutions to be resolved. La Merced area has a long history as a traditional commercial center for the Historic Center as it is the site of a historic popular market.
V. Carranza: La Merced Urban Projects from the Partial Program.
General Facts Surface area (hectares) Urban area Conservation area Number of colonies and areas
3,342 3,239 103 70

Delegation map highlighting La Merced
Demographics Population Density Housing Occupied housing units Persons per household
1980 634,430 190 141,654 4.4 4.4
1990 519,628 145 117,640 3.9
2000 462,806 138 118,369
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Other Governmental Institutions and Nongovernmental Organizations Other Government Institutions Involved Many other government institutions at local and national level are responsible for the development of projects and the rehabilitation and conservation of the Historic Center of Mexico City. Of particular importance are: o National Institute of Archaeology and History - (Instituto Nacional de Arqueologa e Historia) Federal Institution that like the National Council for the Culture and Arts (CONACULTA) is a part of the Public Education Secretariat. o National Fine Arts Institute (Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes)- Federal Institution that, like the National Council for the Culture and Arts (CONACULTA), is a part of the Public Education Secretariat. These Institutes are responsible for designing and implementing regulations and programs for
the protection and conservation of the natural heritage at the Federal level. They are the authorities that provide permits for intervention in historic buildings and sites.
Consultative Council for the Rescue of the Historic Center On August 23, 2001, the current Chief of Government of the Federal District created a Consultative Council to watch over the projects and activities related to the rehabilitation and development of the Historic Center. The Council, composed of 130 citizens representing various levels of government and civil society, is headed by an executive committee with representatives from the Federal government, the Federal District and civil society. Members met on a monthly basis to discuss issues of safety, water, infrastructure and faade improvements, and designed a program of tax incentives as well as a fast-track permitting structure that would foster investment in the area. On February of 2002, a reorganization of the Trusteeship and its projects was announced, without prior consultation with the Consultative Council, resulting in the disappointment of Council members and the subsequent decline in their works. Currently, the Council meets once every three months and discusses issues related mostly to safety and lighting. Council Composition
Federal Government 1. Culture Secretary (CONACULTA) 2. Presidential Secretary 3. Tourism Secretary Federal District 1. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development 2. Tourism Secretary 3. Economic Development Secretary 4. Sub-secretary of Governance the Civil Society 1. Jacobo Zabludovsky (Reporter) 2. Cardinal Norberto Rivera (Church) 3. City Historian (has quit) 4. Carlos Slim (Businessman)
Technical Secretary Executive Committee
of
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Nongovernmental Organizations A large number of NGOs and private institutions and corporations are working to provide services and improve the character of the Historic Center. Some of these institutions work closely with government institutions and integrate their actions to those coordinated by the government. However, there is no central organization coordinating the actions of all entities involved in works at the Center. Furthermore, there is no register compiling a list of institutions and organizations working in the Historic Center at present time or documentation of the projects they are conducting. Historic Center Foundation The Foundation was created by engineer Carlos Slim, president of the Consultative Council for the Rescue of the Historic Center, to foster the development and rehabilitation of the area through private investment. The Foundation, which received an endowment of $100 million focuses primarily on the following four points: Aiding to resolve the water problem in Mexico City; Helping to improve the social and economic level of the residents of the area; Aiding in the revitalization of the historic center through the improvement of services, tourism, housing and entertainment beginning by investing in the improvement of safety and; Fostering the overall revitalization of the Center so that people may once again live, work and enjoy the area by investing in the restoration, rehabilitation and conservation of buildings. In an attempt to improve the economic situation of the residents of the historic center, the Foundation has developed a micro-credit program. Close to 100 community banks, each dedicated to different economic development activities, have been created. The banks offer short-term loans to local entrepreneurs organized into groups of a minimum of 6 residents. Each group receives a loan of 2,500 pesos per person, which is to be repaid within three months of the loan. Once the loan is repaid, recipients are able to borrow a new loan with an increase of 20%. In addition to micro-credit, the Foundation offers a variety of capacity building and technical assistance opportunities to the participants. To date, the program has offered services to more than 84 families. In addition to the micro-credit program, the Foundation offers scholarships to young residents looking to obtain education in technical trades. The objective of the program is to promote job training and capacity building to residents in order to help them improve their economic situation, while offering them new alternatives for employment and development. More than 186 scholarships have been awarded for technical studies in secretarial skills, arts, computing, beauty services and others. Given the vast demand for scholarships in the fields of computing and English, the Foundation has started working with the UNAM to develop centers of study in these fields for the residents of the center. The Foundations Plan In their interest for improving the situation of the residents of the center and in order to 24
encourage new residents to move into the area, the Foundation has developed a plan based on the four points outlined above. The new plan focuses on the development of the following corridors of activity: Entertainment corridor Commercial, Cultural, Education and High-end residential corridor Technological corridor Commercial Corridor Commmercial, Cultural and Mid-income residential corridor Alameda development Chinese barrio Commercial zone Low-Income housing San Juan - Pugibet project A real estate corporation, Centro Historico S.A., linked to Telmex, is making a series of strategic investments in buildings around these areas to promote their development. To date, this corporation has purchased over 60 properties which are being rehabilitated for various uses, primarily residential and housing. They have started moving the corporate headquarters of Telmex to the center and have been directly responsible for the creation of over 1300 jobs which generate approximately 2500 visitors to the area. In addition, the Foundation in cooperation with other private institutions is helping the District with the development of new safety programs designed to deter crime in the area. As part of this program the Foundation is funding the placement of security cameras, strategically located throughout the Center, that will tape ongoing activities and transmit them to a command center. The Foundation has also funded the creation of a new private police force that will aid the newly created public Historic Center Police force in their efforts in the Center. As part of their efforts and in an attempt to empower the residents and visitors of the Center through the provision of information on the ongoing works, the Foundation publishes a magazine focusing on issues relevant to the Historic area. It also offers guided tours of the area led by residents that have been trained by the Foundation itself.
Foundation Plan for development of the Historic Center
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Plans and Programs vii Throughout the twentieth century the Historic Center underwent numerous renovation and rehabilitation efforts guided by plans, programs and regulations that intended to revitalize the economy of the area and provide residents with a better quality of life. The following list compiles the most noteworthy interventions in the area by sector. viii
Public Works on roadways: Cinco de Mayo (1900) Repblica de Venezuela (1933) Palma Norte (1933) San Juan de Letrn-Nio Perdido (193334) 20 de noviembre (1936) Anillo de Circumvalacin Ring Road (1941) Pino Surez (1950) Public Transportation: Trolley system (1899) Public Spaces and Monuments: Plaza de la Constitucin (1931) Plaza de Santo Domingo (1931) Plaza de Loreto (1931) Housing: Urban renovation (Indeco, 1974) Substitution of housing (Banobras, 197576) Plan Tepito (1972-84) Acquisition of vecindades and reconstruction of housing (Cuauthmoc Delegation, Fonhapo, 1984) Urban plans: Echame una manita (1991-94) Izazaga-Arcos de Beln (1950-52) Hidalgo (1952) Paseo de la Regorma (1958) Eje 1 Norte Rayn (1978) Eje 1 Poniente (1978) Guatemala, Argentina, Moneda & Corregidora (1978-81) Eje Central Lzaro Crdenas (1993) Avenida Jurez (1997)
Metro System (1969)
Calle de la Moneda (1934) Conjunto de las Vizcanas (1949) Templo Mayor (1978-81)
Programa de RHP (1985-86) PHRP Fase II (1986-87) Casa Propia (1987-Present) Expropriation of High Risk Housing (1996) See section on lack of adequate housing for further information
Vivir en el Centro (1995)
The most significant projects and programs developed --from the 1990s to the present-for the revitalization of the Historic Center have been led by the Historic Center Trusteeship. Beginning in 1991, the Trusteeship developed a fiscal incentive program for owners, investors and even some public institutions (UNAM and the Bank of Mexico among others) wishing to invest in the rehabilitation of buildings in the area. Over the course of 9 years over 85 million dollars were awarded in incentives benefiting the rehabilitation of 547 buildings and leveraging 2.225 billion dollars in investment. These incentives and investments however, were not guided by a regulatory or strategic plan and in effect, projects thrived where the market dictated. Most rehabilitation occurred in the area traditionally known as the financial corridor, focusing mostly on commercial and service uses and excluding 90% of the Historic Centers area. As a 26
result, in 1998, the Trusteeship was charged with developing a strategic plan for the regeneration and integral development of the Historic Center of the Mexico City. This document would be the seed for the special development program for the Historic Center which includes the three partial programs that dictate land ordinance: Centro Historico, Centro Alameda and La Merced. (See section on Local Issues) The following table outlines the strategies and lines of action defined in that plan.
Strategies Reestablishment of centrality Lines of Action Reorganization of road and transport system Relocate, build and improve parking Rehabilitate the urban image Recuperate public space Rescue monuments and heritage sites Improve and expand the reach of cultural events in the Historic Center Diversify and expand housing availability Support housing uses in heritage buildings Intervene to identify and rehabilitate high risk buildings Rehabilitate public spaces corresponding to existing popular neighborhoods Support the construction of housing in empty lots and those occupied by ruins Generate a middle class rental housing market Develop new opportunities related to the tourism market Make the most of cultural heritage as economic engine Develop small and micro-enterprises Control and regulate street vendors Coordinate institutions to support the development of a program of aid for vulnerable groups of residents Consolidate projects that are being developed by civil and private organizations Rehabilitate education, health, social and cultural services Develop job training programs Foster the development of public participation and involvement in activities
Housing regeneration
Economic development
Social development
Table taken from La Ciudad de Mexico en el fin del segundo milenio. P.53.
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Key Issues in the Development of the Historic Center Regional Issues Federal District Water Perhaps the greatest issue facing the Federal District and thereby the Historic Center is the issue of the exploitation of water resources in the Valley. Buildings in the Historic Center sink approximately 20 cm. per year as a direct result of the depletion of the subterraneous water resources. Water has been pumped out of the lakebed since Spanish colonial rule took over the city. The effects of this depletion are catastrophic for the development of the area resulting in: o The risk of building collapse; o The accelerated deterioration and eventual destruction of infrastructure systems due to sinking and; o The risk for infection due to leakage of bacteria onto cracked water lines. Various private, public and international institutions are looking into the issue of water provision and stabilization of the environment particularly focusing on the following points: o The filtration of recycled gray water into the lakebed as an alternative for the replenishment of the subterranean water system. This alternative has been studied by the National Water Corporation and has been determined to be viable and suitable for the City. Currently, a legislation process in underway to make this project possible. o The lack of capacity of the soil to filter water due to the exploitation of the lakebed, resulting in flooding of certain city areas. o The need for the improvement of drainage and sewerage systems throughout the City. - The 1928 Trusteeship has as mandate the development of various extensive infrastructure projects, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank for these purposes. o The imminent need for control of the loss of water in the Federal District. Earthquakes The continuous threat and occurrence of earthquakes in the area is due to two primary factors: o The existence of fault lines that cause the recurrent movement of the earth in the area resulting in ruptures in the subsoil and; o The existing volcanic axis that suffers from the constant extraction of water from the subterranean lakes. These factors are further compounded by the vulnerability of the dry lakebed, particularly in the Historic Center. 28
1985 Earthquake (University of Illinois photo).
Uncontrolled expansion of the city development poles Until the end of the 19th century, the Historic Center was undoubtedly the primary center of the City of Mexico (Federal District). It is not until the second half of the 20th century that the extension of the city and its pattern of development displace the Historic district and transform its place within the urban structure. Due to the urban expansion of the city along the grand boulevards and the development of new urban and suburban nodes, the Historic Center was transformed into the commercial center of the city rather than the primary center. Urban expansion has created a city of nodes that have competed with the commercial and residential activities of the Center resulting in a decline of its population and the degradation of its urban environment. The migration of Center residents to other parts of the City has also given way to a migration of the rural poor into the area. New nodes of develoment such as Polanco, Lomas de Chapultepec and, most recently, Santa Fe have resulted in a leapfrog pattern as residents move further away from the center in search of more exclusive and safe residential neighborhoods leaving behind abandoned residential areas that are slowly being transformed into business and commercial districts. This pattern of development has resulted in severe traffic congestion due to the inability of public transport systems to serve the distant suburban nodes and the stressing of all other infrastructure networks of the city such as water and sewerage. With the exception of certain densely populated areas of Condesa, Zona Rosa and Polanco, also recognized as art, business and high-end commercial districts, the new nodes of development are primarily suburban in character and are, as in the case of Santa Fe, home to numerous exclusive gated and golf course communities. These nodes extend beyond the boundaries of the Federal District and into the State of Mexico, where planning regulations are evidently more lax than in the District. The case of Santa Fe is particularly exceptional to note because it is currently developing as a satellite city. Almost 45 minutes away by car, on a low traffic day, it has developed as a business center for many multinationals which were once located in neighborhoods closer to the city. Affluent gated communities are rapidly developing in this area and displacing poorer fringe communities from their land. The area is rapidly becoming known as the new center of business and commercial activity of the City. Gated neighborhoods, large shopping centers and tall office towers equipped to serve the needs of large corporations are placing an additional strain on the commercial and business activities located in and around the Historic Center. 29
Taken from authors website.
Nevertheless, the symbolic centrality of the Historic Center cannot be denied. The area is still the cultural and political center of the country with a vast concentration of significant government buildings and services as well as, culturally significant buildings and sites. The Partial Plan for the area declares:
The centrality of the Historic Center is defined by the heterogeneity of its uses.
Intermediate Issues Cuauthmoc and Venustiano Carranza Lack of coordination and uniformity in intervention The fact that the Historic Center (Perimeters A and B) is divided by two jurisdictions has fostered a lack of coordination and uniformity in intervention. Although the delegations are encouraged to work together for the development and rehabilitation of the area, there is no formal agreement between either the delegations or the Federal District to work on the area in an integrated manner. Lack of institutional capacity In the much the same way that the area has been divided among multiple jurisdictions and institutions, and left without an integral or coordinated strategy for development, there are numerous institutions at work in the rehabilitation, recuperation and maintenance of the Historic Center. This issue has created an imminent need for an integrated institution that can coordinate the actions and programs of the various national, regional and local institutions that are working in the area, in order to preserve the centrality of the Center within the Federal District while controlling the excessive urban expansion that has characterized the city in the last decades.
Local Issues Historic Center The need for an overall strategy for the rehabilitation and development of the Historic Center. At present there are various plans, strategies and programs that address the rehabilitation of various parts of the Historic Center. However, there is no particular strategy that addresses the Center as a whole or in an integrated manner. Existing legislation and planning regulations to deal with the issues relevant to the development of the Historic Center are inadequate and inaccessible to the public in general. Programs and projects aimed at rehabilitating and renovating the urban environment in the area lack coordination, direction and monitoring. Furthermore, the projects, which are led by public and private initiatives, are not broadcast throughout the community, making community participation difficult and in many instances, limiting participation to certain sectors of the community. The issue of lack of coordination and integration is clearly evidenced by the three separate District partial programs for three separate parts of the Historic Center. The Partial Programs for Urban Development that regulate activities in Perimeters 30
A and B are: o Centro Alameda Area east of Eje Central Lzaro Crdenas in Cuauhtmoc Delegation o La Merced Area east of Eje Oeste Vidal Alcocer St. in Venustiano Carranza Delegation o Centro Histrico Perimeter A in Cuauhtmoc Delegation
Partial Plan for Perimeter A Centro Historico Definition of Study Area covered: The 1980 decree that declares the creation of the Historic Center of Mexico City, in an area of 9.1 square kilometers that coincides with the general outline of the City at the end of the XIX Century The decree created Perimeters A and B, of which A represents the area where the majority of buildings of historical value are located. 75% of the Historic Center (Perimeters A and B) is located in Cuauhtmoc Delegation and 25% in V. Carranza Delegation Furthermore, within Cuauhtmoc Delegation, two subdelegations have territorial jurisdiction over the Historic Center: Subdelegation of the Historic Center (representing most of Perimeter A) and Subdelegation Tepito Guerrero (representing the northern part of the Historic Center, including the remaining portion of Perimeter A. The importance of the Historic Center for the economic well being of the Federal District and the country is not only notable due to the quality and concentration of economic activity in the area, but also for the concentration of public institutions and cultural symbols. Although the Center has seen a population loss in the last decades resulting in the deterioration of the housing stock primarily due to a lack of adequate regulations for the maintenance and construction of housing units in the area and the lack of incentives for the development of housing, it is still an important residential center in the city. There are over 1,600 buildings and sites of cultural significance as well as an important concentration of museums, cultural centers, and historical archives within the area known as the Historic Center Perimeter A. Objectives of the Partial Program: Redefine the role of the Historic Center in the city, the metropolotian area, and the country, focusing on the recognition of its cultural significance for Mexicans and humanity. Build regulatory frameworks that allow the use of built patrimony including public space and buildings. Consolidate housing services in the Historic Center, promoting the development of a diversified housing market that meets the needs and capacity of demand. Foster partnerships that promote economic activities that are compatible with the rehabilitation of the area. Promote actions that improve the quality of life for residents of the Historic Center. Lines of Action Rehabilitation of the cultural patrimony Development of housing Promotion of diversified economic activity Redevelopment of public space and its uses
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Partial Plan: Perimeter A Urban Projects
The lack of investment incentives designed to foster development of the area. Although there are some incentives for investors developing projects in the Historic Center, it is difficult to find out what they are and how they work. There is, currently, no manual or even a single office where an investor can go to access information on tax credits or other investment incentives available making it virtually impossible for small investors to take advantage of the existing programs. According to officials at the National Institute for Archaeology and History, the following federal and local incentives are available to investors: Federal Incentives o An investor can recuperate as much as 100% of investment through a credit on Federal taxes. There is no operational manual for this incentive and it is very difficult for small investors to access the credit. Local Incentives o An investor can receive a credit on property taxes of up to 100% depending on the degree of conservation of the building or site. o An investor can receive a local tax credit of up to 300,000 pesos for every 100,000 pesos invested in the rehabilitation of a historic building in the area.
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The inadequacy of existing social support networks to ensure the inclusion of marginalized residents. Although the Historic Center is home to numerous governmental institutions and non-governmental organizations dedicated to providing social services for the resident population, the area remains poverty stricken, with the average worker earning between 1 and 2 times the minimum wage of 40.35 pesos/day (2001), equivalent to $4.21 USD. This problem is particularly evident in the northern areas of Perimeter A and La Merced. Services provided in the area: At present there are 10 preschools in Perimeter A, however half of these are severely deteriorated. In addition, there are 20 primary and secondary schools. Six of these are technical secondary schools and two offer work training programs. It is important to note that these schools also serve children from outside the Historic Center, whose parents work in the area. In the area there are 3 hospitals of regional capacity, and 5 clinics. The Partial Program describes these as insufficient and deficient. Moreover, in many instances ambulance, and even pedestrian traffic, is impeded by street vendors. Other public and private support centers provide after school programs, micro-credit programs, support for women, job training programs and social and legal services as needed. There is one gas station and no fire stations in Perimeter A. The Partial Program states that it is impossible to fit these uses within the existing urban structure.
Community Center
Service Fair in Zcalo
Community group working on project. Photo exhibited at Service Fair 2002.
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The impact of excessive commercial activity in an area designated as cultural patrimony. Formal Sector The Historic Center has traditionally been the commercial center for the whole city providing the region with goods such as clothing, fabric, jewelry, electronics, shoes, paper, perfumes, toys, arts and crafts, books, leather and home goods. Informally, businesses have located along corridors specializing by item. For example, electronics along Uruguay St., lamps along Victoria St. and printing shops in Plaza Santo Domingo. Commercial activities are the predominant use in the Historic Center. There are 13,039 established businesses, in Perimeter A alone, generating an approximate 48,000 jobs. Formally established businesses are represented by the Business Association of the Historic Center. Their objectives are to: Serve as liaison between the community and the businesses; Collaborate with the projects developed by the Trusteeship for the Historic Center; Promote the recovery and rehabilitation of the area and; Work with government officials to develop fiscal incentives to foster the economic development of the area. The major poles of economic activity in the Center are: Lagunilla Markets, specializing in furniture and clothes; Mixcalco Market, specializing in clothes; Granaditas Market, specializing in clothes; Plaza Meave, specializing in electronics; Plaza Santo Domingo, specializing in printing; El Zcalo, the religious and political center of the country; Plaza Garibaldi, night life center and Bellas Artes, center for cultural activity of the country.
Informal Sector: The inability and inadequacy of the public sector in controlling and relocating street vendors. Perhaps, the major issue of concern in the Historic Center is the prevalence and recurrence of informal commercial activity. The Business Association of the Historic Center estimates that there are over 30,000 street vendors in the area on any given day. This would represent over 60% of the commercial activity in the Historic Center.
Photo from authors website.
Street vendors are prohibited from establishing businesses on the streets of the Historic Center, except in areas previously designated as markets. However, the City has been unable to remove the vendors from most streets in the area. Presently, the City, with the help of the new Historic Center Police Force, has been able to eliminate vendors in the streets which have been rehabilitated by the Trusteeship of the Historic Center. 34
Historic Center Police
Street market off Zcalo
Vendors mostly occupy sidewalks in front of the established businesses, not only obstructing pedestrian circulation but also hindering sales in the established shops. Due to an obvious lack of storage space, vendors rent out spaces, previously designated for residential use, to transform into storage facilities for their goods. This illegal change of use is one of the major issues causing the shortage of available housing units in the area. In addition, on streets like Argentina, vendors have begun occupying the central aisle of roads, making them inaccessible to vehicular traffic and creating a safety hazard for all residents due to fire truck inaccessibility. Although many attempts have been made to relocate or eliminate vendors from the area by creating specialized markets where they can sell, the issue is a controversial one, since it would signify the loss of thousands of jobs that cannot be immediately replaced. In addition, it is important to note, that these businesses are serving to fulfill the demands of a lower class market that cannot afford to consume products at the prices sold in the traditional formal shops. Vendor opponents however, argue that merchandise in these stalls can be sold at lower prices because in its great majority it has been stolen and/or imported through contraband from the United States. In addition, it is important to take note of other issues that arise from the illegal commercial activity of the vendors: School desertion of infants to go sell in the stalls Provision of services, such as health and education, to vendors and their families, who spend their days in the center but live in other isolated parts of the City Cleaning of streets becomes practically impossible considering the amounts of waste left over by the vendors at the end of the day Sanitation standards in food stalls are practically impossible to enforce Taxes on sale and income of vendors cannot be recorded
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Additional facts: Street vendors primarily sell: toys, seasonal articles, sweets, food, clothes, crafts, bags, articles for the home, tapes and cosmetics. The ten largest formal organizations that group street vendors in the Historic Center are: o Unin Cvica y Comercial de la Antigua Merced: 1,558 o Independientes: 883 o Vendedores unidos del Carmen y Colombia: 337 o Asociacin Comercial Deportiva y Cultural para Invidentes y Dbiles Visuales: 309 o Asociacin Legtima Cvica y Comercial: 216 o Asociacin de Comerciantes en Pequeo No Asalariados Benito Jurez: 200 o Asociacin de Comerciantes Independientes Nuevo milenio: 177 o Comerciantes Independientes de Corregidora/Erasmo Castellanos: 120 o Artesanos y Vendedores del Centro: 105 o Unin Libre de Comerciantes de Meave y Aldaco: 99 The lack of adequate housing in the area. Housing in the Federal District is a particularly controversial issue due to the rapid growth and expansion of the city and the natural risk factors that affect development of safe and affordable housing. Following are some of the facts and issues that affect housing development in the area: ix o Housing uses are concentrated in the northern areas of the Historic Center, occupying 36% of all uses in the area. o According to the regulations established by the Urban Development Programs, 8,654 lots (88%) are zoned for housing. These occupy a total of 68% of all lots in the Center, although they are mostly small lots with areas of under 1,000 square meters. o The Historic Center has a potential capacity of 373,462 housing units of 60 square meters each. Most of the potential for housing units is located in the southern strip of Perimeter B. o Taking into account land prices in the area, it is estimated that low-income housing developments would have to be of a density of at least 400 housing units per hectare. o The six major residential areas of the Center are: Colonia Guerrero, to the North of Alameda; Merced, between Jess Mara and Circunvalacin; Lagunilla, between Repblica de Cuba and Ecuador; Tepito, on the northwest corner of the Historic Center; Granaditas, to the south of Granaditas market and; Vizcanas, on San Jernimo. o Areas traditionally known as residential neighborhoods in the Historic Center are constantly being transformed to commercial uses and warehouses for street vendors, particularly in the neighborhoods of Lagunilla and Tepito.
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o Younger residents of the Center are finding it increasingly difficult to access affordable housing in the area. o 50% of all buildings in Perimeter A have been designated as cultural patrimony, making all interventions and repairs costly and time consuming, particularly for the development of low-income housing projects. o Three separate partial plans (Centro Alameda, Centro Histrico, La Merced) address issues of urban development in three distinct areas of the Historic Center. Each plan has its own regulations for the development of and maintenance of housing in the area. o With the exception of the Popular Housing Renovation Program (198687), some actions under the Fase II Program (1988-1990) and, punctual interventions organized by the Casa Propia Trusteeship (1987-1990) and the Housing Institute, there has never been an integral strategy to deal with the problem of housing in the Historic Center.
Ciudadela: Argentina St. no.38
Popular Housing Renovation Program (1986-1987) The PHRP rebuilt 48,800 housing units in two years. In the Historic Center, 796 buildings and sites were taken over by eminent domain and 13,562 units of housing were built, benefiting 67,410 residents. This program was particularly successful because it was able to provide housing to those most affected by the 1985 earthquakes in a safe and timely manner. It allowed residents of the Center to remain in the area after the disaster. At present, some of these renovations are greatly deteriorated due to lack of maintenance. Fase II Program (1988-1990) This program intended to follow on the works started under PHRP. Casa Propia Trusteeship (1987-1990) The trusteeship was created to facilitate the process of housing ownership for residents of the Center. The Trusteeship bought housing units in the Center and granted low-interest mortgage loans residents who would then be responsible for repaying the Trusteeship. Out of the 77 buildings bought by the Trusteeship, 44 are in Perimeter A and 27 in or outside Perimeter B.
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o The housing problem in the City of Mexico is aggravated by many natural factors such as access to water and risk of earthquakes. It is estimated that 11% of the citys population is occupying low-income housing units built in sensitive sites located over geologic fault lines, mining areas, river banks and/or areas with insufficient or inexistent infrastructure. o Natural risks to housing development in the Federal District include: Five fault lines that cross over the delegations of Cuauhtmoc, Venustiano Carranza, Benito Jurez and Miguel Hidalgo, affecting more than 425,000 residents Mining areas (settlements on steep slopes with a high risk for landslides) in lvaro Obregn, Gustavo A. Madero and Magdalena Contreras, affecting over 54,000 housing units (10% of all housing units in the District) Flood areas in Gustavo A. Madero, Iztacalco, Tlhuac and Magdalena Contreras, affecting 144,598 housing units (14% of all housing units in the District) Iztapalapa is crossed by a ground fissure that affects housing units in Ermita Zaragoza and Pen Viejo Chemical and industrial sites in the delegations of Benito Jurez, Cuauhtmoc, Azcapotzalco, Gustavo A. Madero, Tlhuac, Xochimilco and Milpa Alta, affecting 56% of all social housing in the District The prevalence of criminal activity in the center. Criminal activity is consistently cited by residents and visitors of the Historic Center as its major problem. Delinquent activity in the Center ranges from petty theft to murder to contraband and the illegal resale of stolen merchandise in many cases imported illegally into the country from the United States. Perimeter A is the area most affected by crime according to the number of police reports submitted. More secure areas tend to coincide with the residential streets while commercial streets have a tendency of increased criminal activity. Data compiled in 2001, seems to demonstrate that criminal activity is increasing in the northern areas of the Historic Center that are seeing the fastest change in use from residential to informal commercial activity. x As part of the revitalization efforts that are being coordinated between the City and the private investors, a new Historic Center Police Force has been created. This police force will serve solely in the revitalized streets of the Center, that is to say, in the 34 blocks that conform the nucleus. A total of eight police officers is to patrol each block at all times. In addition, security video cameras are being placed in these streets to monitor activity from a central command center. These projects are being instituted in coordination with the proposals made by Rudolph Giuliani, who is currently contracted by the City to develop a new security plan. 38
Endnotes
Information gathered from Gua de Forasteros Centro Histrico Ciudad de Mxico, Guas Tursticas Banamex, S.A. de C.V., Mexico, 1991; Partial Program for the Urban Development of the Historic Center, September 2000 and; www.centrohistorico.df.gob.mx . ii Partial Program for the Urban Development of the Historic Center: September 7, 2000. iii Estimate presented in Proyecto Centro Histrico, Ciudad de Mexico: Informe Final. Prepared by Asamblea de Representantes del Distrito Federal, I Legislatura, Comisin de Desarrollo Metropolitano, and, Mercado y Asociados. 1997. iv Information gathered from http://www.mexicocity.gob.mx/corredores/intro/index.html. v As described in http://www.centrohistorico.df.gob.mx - Site for the Historic Center Trusteeship. vi The Plaza Juarez project includes a commercial area with restaurants, cafes and shops, a residential area, more than 50,000 m2 of office space and parking. The projects architect is Ricardo Legorreta. vii Information in this section is gathered from La Ciudad de Mxico en el fin del segundo milenio, Gustavo Garza. Gobierno del Distrito Federal & El Colegio de Mxico, Mexico: 2000. viii List compiled in Proyecto Centro Histrico: Ciudad de Mexico, Informe Final 1997. ix Information is gathered from a report made available by the Foundation for the Historic Center and prepared by the UNAM and La Unidad, September-October 2002, Year 3, No. 30. x Information based on a study provided by the Foundation for the Historic Center and developed in the UNAM and La Unidad, September-October 2002, Year 3, No. 30.
i
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Annexes
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Annex I: Numerical Data Census Data

Federal District: Population by Delegation
Delegation Total Iztapalapa Gustavo A. Madero lvaro Obregn Coyoacn Tlalpan Cuauhtmoc Venustiano Carranza Azcapotzalco Iztacalco Xochimilco Benito Jurez Miguel Hidalgo Tlhuac Magdalena Contreras Cuajimalpa Milpa Alta 1970 6,874,165 522,095 1,234,376 456,709 339,446 130,719 923,182 749,483 534,554 477,331 116,493 576,475 605,560 62,419 75,429 36,200 33,694 1980 8,029,498 1,149,411 1,384,431 570,384 541,328 328,800 734,277 634,340 557,427 523,971 197,819 480,741 501,334 133,589 159,564 84,665 47,417 1990 8,235,774 1,490,499 1,286,068 642,753 640,066 595,960 517,628 484,886 474,688 448,332 271,151 407,811 406,868 206,700 195,014 119,669 63,654 2000 8,605,239 1,733,343 1,235,542 687,020 680,423 581,781 516,255 462,806 441,008 411,321 369,787 360,478 352,640 302,790 222,050 151,222 96,773
Federal District: Population Density by Delegation

Delegation Iztapalapa Gustavo A. Madero lvaro Obregn Coyoacn Tlalpan Cuauhtmoc Venustiano Carranza Azcapotzalco Iztacalco Xochimilco Benito Jurez Miguel Hidalgo Tlhuac Magdalena Contreras Cuajimalpa Milpa Alta Surface Area Hectares 11,506 8,662 7,720 5,389 30,499 3,244 3,342 3,330 2,290 12,517 2,663 4,640 8,534 7,536 8,095 28,375 1980 Population per Hectare 1990 46 130 73 146 149 83 100 119 5 16 226 184 25 155 416 143 243 196 4 22 214 153 108 88 15 23 64 26 41 15 7 2 2000 154 142 89 126 19 159 138 132 179 29 135 76 35.4 29 19 3
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Ward Data
Total Population 1990 PERIMETER A 015 Cuahthmoc Per Ward 58-9 61-0 62-5 63-A 64-4 65-9 66-3 73-3 74-8 75-2 76-7 77-1 78-6 81-8 88-A 89-4 90-7 91-1 Total=18 wards
65719 595960 (italics is estimated) 812 2307 1836 4369 14435 9532 1973 447 779 4220 416 2385 3739 815 3505 4034 3892 6224 65719
Total Number of Inhabited Housing Units (1990) 16104 PERIMETER A 015 Cuahtehmoc Per Ward 58-9 61-0 62-5 63-A 64-4 65-9 66-3 73-3 74-8 75-2 76-7 77-1 78-6 81-8 88-A 89-4 90-7 91-1 Total=18 wards 159410 (italics is estimated) 197 600 483 1033 3524 2374 490 116 242 1105 95 606 858 213 872 1036 905 1355 16104
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Total Population in 1990 PERIMETER B 015 Cuahthmoc Per Ward 34-3 35-8 50-2 53-6 54-0 56-A 57-4 58-9 61-0 62-5 63-A 64-4 65-9 66-3 71-4 72-9 73-3 74-8 75-2 76-7 77-1 78-6 80-3 81-8 85-6 86-0 87-5 88-A 89-4 90-7 91-1 96-4 97-9 101-7 102-1 103-6 104-0 105-5 106-A 107-4 Total=40 Wards 194615 595960 (italics is estimated) 1198 6079 501 3860 4577 3082 7080 8115 5537 1836 4369 14435 9532 3945 507 25 447 3894 4220 416 2385 3739 71 815 927 1953 6838 3505 4034 3892 6224 3429 2733 557 3051 2564 2633 1269 1041 983 136296
Total Number of Inhabited Housing Units 1990 48104 PERIMETER B 159410 015 Cuahthmoc Per Ward 34-3 35-8 50-2 53-6 54-0 56-A 57-4 58-9 61-0 62-5 63-A 64-4 65-9 66-3 71-4 72-9 73-3 74-8 75-2 76-7 77-1 78-6 80-3 81-8 85-6 86-0 87-5 88-A 89-4 90-7 91-1 96-4 97-9 101-7 102-1 103-6 104-0 105-5 106-A 107-4 Total=40 Wards (italics is estimated) 291 1443 128 971 1181 790 1837 1973 1441 483 1033 3524 2374 980 152 8 116 1209 1105 95 606 858 24 213 275 490 1934 872 1036 905 1355 920 696 162 884 692 689 352 246 237 34580
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Total Population in 1990 017 V. Carranza Per Ward 21-0 22-5 24-4 25-9 26-3 36-7 37-1 38-6 39-0 40-3 48-A 49-4 50-7 57-9 58-3 59-8 68-7 69-1 70-4 89-9 90-1 Total=21 Wards 519628 (italics is estimated) 1346 1940 870 601 1032 6773 7804 747 5380 3234 5937 6083 2864 2490 4410 7 1333 3453 23 1336 656 58319
Total Number of Inhabited Housing Units 1990 017 V. Carranza Per Ward 21-0 22-5 24-4 25-9 26-3 36-7 37-1 38-6 39-0 40-3 48-A 49-4 50-7 57-9 58-3 59-8 68-7 69-1 70-4 89-9 90-1 Total=21 Wards 117820 (italics is estimated) 309 439 176 212 229 1624 1855 160 1258 723 1369 1431 696 539 982 0 285 775 5 297 160 13524
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Historic Center: Perimeter A (Based on INEGI Census Data) The area is divided into 18 wards within Delegacion of Cuauthmoc: 58, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 81, 88, 89, 90 and 91. Some of these wards are not totally included within the Perimeter A. After having applied an estimated discount of population and housing units, we estimate that: In 1990, Perimeter A had: -Population= 65,717 -Number of housing units= 16,104 (4.1 people/housing unit) From the Census 2000 we know that Cuauthmocs population decreased by 13.6% and housing units decreased by 5.8%. Therefore, in the year 2000, we estimate for Perimeter A: -Population=56,779 -Number of housing units= 15,170 (3.7 people/housing unit) As a reference, we note that in 2000 the Federal District had an average of 4.01people/housing unit. Historic Center: Perimeter B (Based on INEGI Census Data) The area is divided into 61 wards: 40 in Cuauthmoc and 21 inV. Carranza Cuauthmoc wards: 34, 35, 50, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 80, 81, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 96, 97, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 and 107. V. Carranza wards: 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 48, 49, 50, 57, 58, 59, 68, 69, 70, 89 and 90. Some of these wards are not totally included within the Perimeter B. After having applied an estimated discount of population and housing units, we estimate that: In 1990, Perimeter B had: -Population= 194,878 -Number of housing units= 49,380 (3.9 people/housing unit) From 1990-2000 there was a decrease in population. In Cuauthmoc the population decreased by 13.6% and in V. Carranza it decreased by 11%. Likewise, from 1990-2000 the number of housing units in Cuauthmoc decreased by 5.8% and in V. Carranza it increased by 0.4%. Therefore, in 2000, we estimate for Perimeter B: -Population= 169,899 people -Number of housing units= 47,354 (3.6 people/housing unit) In both perimeters, the employed populations middle income is between 1 and 2 times the minimum monthly salary.
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Tourism Data (Source: Tourism Secretariat)

Tourism facts for Mexico City
1999 Hotel establishments Rooms available Occupancy Restaurants Travel Agencies Tourist Guides Convention Centers No. of Tourists National Foreign 665 46,599 61.55% 845 929 90 7 8,893,087 6,899,253 1,993,834 2000 637 46,302 61.57% 1,244 1,311 102 8 9,123,994 7,025,413 2,098,581 2001 653 46,978 59.96% 2,602 1,686 56 71 9,486,499 7,468,273 2,018,226
Economic and Employment Data

Businesses and employment as percentage of the total (Source: Partial Plan) Historic Center Industrial % of Businesses % of Employment Services % of Businesses % of Employment Commercial % of Businesses % of Employment 7.5% 17.6% 25.3% 36.5% 67.2% 45.9% Cuauthmoc 8.6% 16.8% 39% 48.4% 52.3% 34.7% Federal District 9.2% 28.5% 35.6% 39.1% 55.1% 32.3%
Transport Data
Metro lines that cross the Historic Center Line Stations Observatorio Pantitln (1) Isabel la Catlica, Pino Surez Cuatro Caminos Taxquea (2) Pino Surez, Zcalo, Allende, Bellas Artes, Hidalgo Universidad Indios Verdes (3) Hidalgo Garibaldi Constitucin de Salto del Agua, San Juan de 1817 (8) Letran, Bellas Artes, Garibaldi Buenavista Ecatepec (B) Tepito, Lagunilla, Garibaldi Transfer Stations Pino Surez Pino Surez, Bellas Artes, Hidalgo Hidalgo Salto del Agua, Bellas Artes, Garibaldi Garibaldi
40 bus routes and microbus routes cross the area, 16 of which go to the north, 11 to the south, 7 to the east and 6 to the west. There are 6 bicycle taxi organizations, 4 of which have a total of 231 bicycles. These have no defined routes and seem to be inefficient in their service. 70% of the vehicles crossing the area are not destined to the Historic Center. 92% of the vehicles crossing the area are private. 8% of the vehicles crossing the area are collective and are transporting 67.3% of the total population visiting and crossing the area. There are 103 parking sites in the area, 58% of which are surface parking lots in vacant lots or in the backs of buildings.
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Other Relevant Data on the Historic Center

Pedestrian Streets in Perimeter A (Source: Partial Plan) Street Pedestrian Flow Uses
Gante Motolina Moneda (from Zcalo to Santsima) Corregidora (Acequia Real) Repblica de Honduras Repblica de Guatemala (to the back of the Cathedral) Primo Verdad Callejn de Ecuador Mariana R. del Toro Moderate Mid to Intense Intense Restaurants and bars Established commercial, street vendors and services Socio-cultural and street vendors Services and street vendors
Observations
Concentration of restaurants Direct access to the Allende Metro Station Transit: pedestrian flow from Zcalo Metro Station to the Mixcalco market Transit: pedestrian flow from Zcalo Metro Station to the Mixcalco market Complemented by Garibaldi Integrates with the plaza of Templo Mayor Museum X-Teresa and UNAMs Casa del Libro Service center for children living on the streets Concentration of criminal activity in the main square
Intense
Mid (daytime) Intense (nightime Moderate
Nightlife activities Specialized business
Moderate Moderate Moderate
Cultural and housing Services and housing Housing and service workshops
Sites with potential for housing development in Perimeter A (Source: Partial Plan) No. of Sites Total Surface Area Built Area Abandoned (1995) 120 72,019 Completely vacant 102 39,367 112,029 First Floor vacant 31 21,555 32,986 Top floors vacant 186 91,059 222,749 Total 358 168,649 367,746
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Annex II: Nongovernmental Organizations Federal District Business Associations

Formal Mercados Unificados del Distrito Federal Movimiento Unificado de Mercados Populares (MUMP) Mercados Unificados de Comerciantes de Mxico Informal Movimiento Antorcha Popular en el Distrito Federal Unin de Vendedores Ambulantes Pro Libertad Asociacin de Comerciantes Ambulantes del Centro Histrico Unidad Nacional Interdisciplinaria de Ciudadanos en el Distrito Federal Vida Digna Fuerza Democrtica Mxico Joven Movimiento Civil 21 Mujeres Insurgentes Proyecto Ciudadano Sociedad y Desarrollo (Impulso Ciudadano) Not registered with the IFE Movimiento Ciudadano por la Democracia Alianza Cvica Mujeres en Lucha por la Democracia Ciudadanos en Movimiento Frente Popular Independiente Desarrollo Humano Integral y Accin Ciudadana Politcnicos por la Democracia Convergencia de Organizaciones Civiles por la Democracia Youth Grupo de Informacin en Reproduccin Elegida Asociacin Mexicana contra la Violencia hacia las Mujeres Mujeres en Accin Sindical Fundacin para la Equidad Asociacin Nacional Cvica Femenina Salud Integral para las Mujeres Servicios Integrales para las Mujeres Asamblea Nacional de Mujeres Movimiento Amplio de Mujeres Grupos de Educacin Popular con Mujeres Regional de Mujeres de la UPREZ Movimiento Nacional de la Mujer Movimiento Nacional de la Juventud Unificacin Universitaria Frente Juvenil Revolucionario Consejo Popular Juvenil de Santa Fe Human Rights Academia Mexicana de Derechos Humanos Centro Nacional de Comunicacin Social Centro de Derechos Humanos Fray Francisco de Vitoria Centro de Derechos Humanos Agustn Pio Comision Mexicana de Defensa y Promocin de Derechos Humanos Frente nico Nacional de Derechos Humanos
Political Associations
Registered with Federal Election Institute (IFE) Causa Ciudadana Agrupacin para la Integracin de los Ciudadanos del Distrito Federal Alianza de Organizaciones Sociales Alternativa Urbana y Social Avance Ciudadano Ciudadanos Unidos por Mxico Comit de Defensa Popular del Valle de Mxico Consejo Mexicano de nidad Coordinadora Ciudadana del Distrito Federal Cultura Popular Expresin Ciudadana Ricardo Flores Magn Frente de Accin Cvica del Distrito Federal Unidad Ciudadana por el Cambio Unidad Ciudadana en Accin
Civil Society Organizations

Women
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Professional Colegio de Arquitectos e Ingenieros Civiles Asociacin Nacional de Abogados Democrticos Health Red de Grupos para la Salud de la Mujer y el Nio Promocin de Servicios en Salud y Educacin Popular Family Comit Nacional Pro Vida Enlace Istituto Mexicano de Doctrina Social Cristiana Centro Cvico de Solidaridad Gay & Lesbian Colectivo Sol Crculo Cultural Gay
Promotion, Community Development, Housing and Services Foro de Apoyo Mutuo Centro Cvico de Solidaridad Desarrollo y Paz Equipo Pueblo Enlace Comunitario y Capacitacin Sociedad Mexicana de Instituciones de Asistencia Privada Promocin del Desarrollo Popular Centro Operacional de Vivienda y Poblamiento Fomento Solidario para la Vivienda Casa y Ciudad Centro de la Vivienda y Estudios Urbanos Casa y Ciudad HIC Mxico
Territorial
By Colony Unin Popular Revolucionaria Emiliano Zapata Frente Popular Francisco Villa Independiente Azcapotzalco Unin Popular Nueva Tenochtitlan Asamblea de Varrios independiente Azcapotzalco Asamblea de Barrios de la Ciudad de Mxico Asamblea de Barrios Patria Nueva Unin de Colonias Populares Central Unitaria de Trabajadores Lucha Independiente por una Vivienda Digna Movimiento Popular de Pueblos y Colonias del Sur Movimiento de de Lomas de la Era Movimiento Popular Independiente Unin de Colonos de Santo Domingo Pueblo en Lucha. San Andrs Totoltepec Organizacin de Colonos de Ciudad Satlite By Neighborhood Zedec Polanco Zedec Barranca de Tarango Zedec Centro Histrico de Coyoacn Zedec del Carment Coyoacn Zedec Romero de Terreros Consejo Ciudadano de la Delegacin Benito Jurez Asociacin de Residentes del Barrio de Santa Catarina y San Francisco de Coyoacn Asociacin de Residentes de la Colonia del Carmen Coyoacn Comits Vecinales de la Delegacin Iztacalco Comits Vecinales de la Delegacin Venustiano Carranza Convergencia Tlalpan Unin de Vecinos y Damnificados 19 de Septiembre Unin de Vecinos de la Colonia Guerrero Unin Popular Valle Gmez Coordinadora de Cuartos de Azotea de Tlatelolco Unin de Cuartos de Azotea e Inquilinos Asociacin de Amigos y Residentes del Centro Histrico de Coyoacn Calpulli - Npoles
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Environmental Unin de Grupos Ambientalistas Asociacin Ecolgica de Coyoacn del permetro Centro Histrico Asociacin Pro Conservacin de los Jardines y Monuments de Coyoacn Movimiento Ecologista Mexicano Fundacin Mexicana para la Educacin Ambiental Asociacin de Corredores del Bosque de Chapultepec Grupo Ecolgico de Xochimilco Greenpeace Mxico Pacto de Grupos Ecologistas Asociacin Nacional Pro Mejoramiento del Medio Ambiente Grupo de Estudios Ambientalistas
Cultural Heritage Patronato de Amigos del Centro Histrico de Coyoacn Defensa del Barrio de la Conchita
Table taken from La Ciudad de Mxico en el fin del segundo milenio,
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Annex III: Land Use Maps Cuauthmoc Delegation
From La Ciudad de Mexico en el fin del Segundo milenio.
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Venustiano Carranza Delegation
From La Ciudad de Mexico en el fin del Segundo milenio.
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Appendix III: Perimeter Maps
Aerial photograph of perimeter areas. From UNAM Housing Diagnostic.
Perimeter map highlighting priority projects to be executed in rehabilitation program of the 1980s. From Imagen de la Gran Capital, Enciclopedia de Mexico. 1985.
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Perimeter map showing census wards.
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References XI Censo de poblacin y Vivienda. INEGI, Mxico 1990. XI Censo de poblacin y Vivienda. INEGI, Mxico 2000. UNAM Housing Diagnostic. With La Unidad, September-October 2002, Year 3, No. 30. Legal and Regulatory texts: Decreto por el que se aprueba el Programa Parcial de desarrollo urbano La Merced del programa delegacional de desarrollo urbano para la Delegacin de Venustiano Carranza. Gaceta Oficial del Distrito Federal, Ciudad de Mxico, 14 de julio de 2000. Decreto por el que se aprueba el Programa Parcial de desarrollo urbano Centro Histrico del programa delegacional de desarrollo urbano para la Delegacin de Cuauthmoc. Gaceta Oficial del Distrito Federal, Ciudad de Mxico, 7 de septiembre de 2000. Decreto por el que se aprueba el Programa Parcial de desarrollo urbano Centro Alameda del programa delegacional de desarrollo urbano para la Delegacin de Cuauthmoc. Gaceta Oficial del Distrito Federal, Ciudad de Mxico, 15 de septiembre de 2000. Articles, newspapers and magazines: Pineda, Irasema, Reabren cuatro calles del Centro; salieron de ellas los ambulantes, El Heraldo de Mexico, p. 1 and 8A, November 19, 2002. Flores, Jesus, Reabren el Centro, sin ambulantes, unomasuno, p. 1 and 10, November 19, 2002. Muestra para recordar el rencuentro diplomtico de Mexico y Madrid, La Jornada, p. cultura 3a., November 19, 2002. Also in El Heraldo de Mexico, p. 7-A, November 21, 2002. Enloquece a DF conflicto agrario, Ciudad y Metrpolis, p.1 November 22, 2002. Photos of traffic congestion Requieren mejoras instalaciones de CU, Ciudad y Metrpolis, p. 5B, November 22, 2002. La Unidad (rgano informativo bimestral para los habitantes de las unidades habitacionales de la Ciudad de Mxico). Julio/ Agosto, Septiembre/ Octubre and Noviembre/ Diciembre.
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Compilation of social, cultural and art related articles from the web (La jornada virtu@l and Milenio.com) Centro, Guia para caminantes. Ritos y Retos del Centro Histrico, Nos. 15, 19 and 20. El Centro, Guia-cartelera del Centro Histrico de la Ciudad de Mexico. Nov/ Dec.
Mexico City and Delegations: Asamblea de Representantes del Distrito Federal, Comisin de Desarrollo Metropolitano, Proyecto Centro Histrico: Ciudad de Mexico, Informe Final, 1997. Conozca su Delegacion, Centro Histrico. Departamento del D.F. Guia de Forasteros Centro Histrico Ciudad de Mxico. Guias tursticas Banamex, S.A. de C.V., Mexico D.F., 1991. Gustavo Garza, La Ciudad de Mxico en el fin del segundo milenio, Gobierno del Distrito Federal & El Colegio de Mxico, Mexico, 2000. Imagen de la Gran capital. Enciclopedia de Mxico, S.A. de C.V. Ciudad de Mxico, 1985. Suarez Zozaya, Ma. Helinda (coord.), Educacin en el Distritio Federal, Gobierno del Distrito Federal, 1999. Ver y hacer en la Ciudad de Mexico y alrededores, Guia Turstica. Quimera ed., 2002. Visitas del Centro Histrico, Introduccin. Centro de Estudios de Historia de Mxico. World Heritage in Mexico. Fondo Editorial de la Plstica Mexicana, Mexico D.F., 1998. CD ROM: Coordinacin Nacional de Monumentos Histricos. Fichas y planos del Centro Histrico de Mxico. Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia (INAH). Nov. 2002. Las Ciudades Mexicanas del Patrimonio Mundial. INAH, 2001. 1a Reunin Internacional, Metodologias de catalogacin e inventario del patrimonio cultural. INAH, 1998. Catlogo Nacional de Monumentos Histricos Inmuebles. INAH, 2002. 56
Brochures: Residencial Club de Golf Bosques Turismo Ciudad de Mxico 3ra Feria de Servicios para unidades habitacionales y condominios INFONAVIT Instituto de la Mujer del D.F. Direccin General de Regularizacin Territorial Web sites: www.gob.mx www.df.gob.mx www.centrohistorico.com.mx www.mexicocity.gob.mx www.centrohistorico.df.gob.mx
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Harvard University Graduate School of Design Center for Urban Development Studies

Historic Center of Mexico City

DIAGNOSTIC SUMMARY * ANNEXES * CD-ROM

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

Historic Center Mexico City

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From the Historic Center Trusteeship website.

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

Historic Center Mexico City

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New University District

Map showing major corridors of city expansion.

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

Map of Federal District and Associated Municipalities in the State of Mexico.

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

Turibus image and map

Reforma-Alameda-Centro Histrico Corridor. From the Tourism Secretariat.

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

Trusteeship rehabilitation project, Madero St.

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

Trusteeship rehabilitation project, Madero St.

Historic Center Mexico City

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Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

Map of Cuauthmoc Delegation with zoning.

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies

V. Carranza: La Merced Urban Projects from the Partial Program.

3,342 3,239 103 70

1980 634,430 190 141,654 4.4 4.4

1990 519,628 145 117,640 3.9

2000 462,806 138 118,369

Historic Center Mexico City

Harvard University Center for Urban Development Studies