Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — The heart of Puerto Vallarta, its Historic Center, is in decline. According to a recent study by the Municipal Government, the area is plagued by 249 abandoned, closed, or uninhabited houses and premises. The growing number of homeless people, increased insecurity, dirt, and foul odors are further signs of the crisis. In response, the City Council has initiated a new project aimed at revitalizing the area through the application of the Regulations of Visual Image and Identity, which will standardize the paint on the facades.
Councilman Pablo Ruperto Gómez Andrade, president of the City Council Committee for Citizen Participation, announced this initiative, which was spearheaded by interim mayor Francisco José Martínez Gil. The meeting included various officials and neighborhood representatives, highlighting the community’s involvement in the process.
“It is a regulation to preserve the historic center with a perspective of a traditional Mexican town. Unfortunately, these regulations have been ignored, and everyone has been painting the center as they see fit, resulting in visual pollution. The patronage of the Historic Center, together with Tourism and other agencies, seeks to restore the aesthetic of terracotta roofs and traditional facades that locals and visitors cherish,” Councilman Gómez Andrade stated.
Vallartense Facade Project
A month ago, the ‘Vallartense Facade’ project was presented, aiming to rescue the Historic Center’s image by enforcing the 2018 reform regulations. The goal is to organize and regulate the identity and urban image using traditional elements, achieving harmony and integration.
“The predominant color in the Historic Center must be white, with moldings and dust covers (up to a height of 1.20 meters) in terracotta. Roofs must feature traditional terracotta tiles,” the regulations specify.
These regulations also address propaganda and advertising, deeming any act or omission that violates these rules an infraction, subject to warnings, fines, closures, and removal of advertisements.
The ‘Fachada Vallartense’ project will begin with an awareness campaign, emphasizing the Historic Center’s image as a valuable identity of the destination that needs rescuing. A flyer with the slogan ‘Your façade represents you’ has already been distributed. Efforts will also be made to contact owners of abandoned or closed properties, with municipal agencies assigned specific tasks. Additionally, a paint company has pledged support by donating acrylic paint and offering discounts and advice on a property-by-property basis.
Delayed Implementation
Despite the promising initiative, progress has been hampered. A meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 27, in the City Council hall was suspended because the space was occupied by councilors modifying the annual budget. This meeting was intended to involve the Citizen Council, the Union of Urban Property Owners, the Association of Business Owners of the Malecón, and owners of abandoned properties. The goal was to kickstart the project on Morelos Street.
The Historic Center encompasses 81 blocks and 26 streets between 31 de Octubre and the Cuale River. The study revealed that out of 666 homes, 128 are abandoned or closed, and out of 804 premises, 121 are empty or closed.
“Unfortunately, nearly three hundred spaces, including abandoned houses and premises, are in disrepair. Something must be done in accordance with the law. We need to find the owners because it is part of their responsibility. The City Council could develop strategies to cover those areas, impose fines if necessary, or include the cost in their property tax endorsements. I believe that all citizens understand that maintaining our façade and the cleanliness of our area is our responsibility,” emphasized Professor Ruperto Gómez.
Future Steps
The initiative’s future steps include rescheduling the suspended meeting and ensuring that all stakeholders are involved. The City Council aims to implement the project effectively, beginning with high-priority areas like Morelos Street. The support from municipal agencies, local businesses, and property owners will be crucial in restoring the Historic Center to its former glory.
As Puerto Vallarta’s Historic Center faces these challenges, the community’s collective effort will be key to revitalizing this cherished area. The ‘Vallartense Facade’ project represents a significant step towards preserving the traditional Mexican town’s charm and ensuring a cleaner, safer environment for residents and visitors alike.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — The heart of Puerto Vallarta, its Historic Center, is in decline. According to a recent study by the Municipal Government, the area is plagued by 249 abandoned, closed, or uninhabited houses and premises. The growing number of homeless people, increased insecurity, dirt, and foul odors are further signs of the crisis. In response, the City Council has initiated a new project aimed at revitalizing the area through the application of the Regulations of Visual Image and Identity, which will standardize the paint on the facades.
