Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Hopeful Footsteps in Mexico City’s Centro Histórico

by Ruth Samuelson

After years of steady deterioration, Mexico City’s Centro Histórico is finally showing signs of health.
Public and private efforts, especially by Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim Helú, have bulked up security, refurbished old parks and gathering spots and increased economic development in the area. But the renaissance’s defining feature is obvious: it’s the ground.
In recent years, the Centro has closed off three streets to vehicular traffic and has plans to convert more. Known for its museums, landmarks and busy markets, the area is now drawing more youthful crowds, thanks in part to shopping and nightlife on its pedestrian streets.
The street closure treatment has also deterred crime, according to local business owners. One of the zone’s biggest problems is residential vacancies. While Centro’s always bustling by day, it’s still desolate after dark in many spots.
The first walkway, Regina street, was inaugurated in 2008. Dubbed a "Cultural Pedestrian Corridor" by the government, it’s loaded with hip, laidback restaurants and mezcalerias.

Centro Histórico, photo by luigig
Centro Histórico, photo by teachandlearn



more about urban Mexico:

Mexico’s Proposed 2012 Budget Fails to Allocate Adequate Funding for Climate Change

Cycling in Mexico City, Aggressive Driving, Integrated Mobility Sharing

A modern-day ghost town A rural Mexican community is almost empty

THE URBAN SPRAWL: A PLANETARY GROWTH PROCESS? AN OVERVIEW OF USA, MEXICO AND SPAIN

MEXICO: Capital Badly in Need of Urban Regeneration

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