According to the city council, in the Historic Center of Mérida, more than 200 houses remain abandoned, many in a dilapidated state that puts pedestrians and motorists at risk. Although these properties are part of the city’s heritage, their future is uncertain due to the lack of maintenance and the complex regulations that protect them.
According to experts, this phenomenon is linked to urban and social processes, as explained by architect María Elena Torres Pérez, professor at the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY).
For Torres Pérez, the abandonment of these properties is related to the city’s expansion towards the periphery: “There is a large supply of housing on the outskirts, which has caused interest in living in the center to decrease considerably,” he points out.
In addition, it mentions that the noise and traffic generated by buses and freight transportation have turned the center into a conflict zone for residents, who prefer to move to quieter and more modern areas.
Another determining factor, according to the expert, is the type of construction of these properties. Most are masonry houses, which require constant and expensive maintenance.
“These houses are a never-ending story. It takes longer to repair a wall than for another that already has moisture. It is an endless cycle that several owners cannot or do not want to face,” he explains.
The architect recalls that these properties, located in the Historic Center, are protected by the Federal Monuments Law, which limits the modifications that can be made.
Another common problem is that many of these houses belonged to people who had already died and remained intestate, that is, without a will.
“In the past, there was no custom of making a will, which has left many properties in legal limbo. Sometimes, the heirs cannot agree or are not interested in the house,” says María Elena Torres.
The architect also mentions a recent phenomenon related to the interest of foreigners in these properties:
“Many owners prefer to wait for the capital gain to rise to sell their houses to foreigners looking for properties in the center. This phenomenon has caused many of them to remain closed and without maintenance for years,” he comments.
Despite the difficulties, Torres Pérez highlights the importance of preserving these properties due to their heritage value:
“These houses are part of the history of Mérida and Mexico. The owners must understand the value they have and seek a professional negotiation with the National Institute of Anthropology and History to restore them properly,” he emphasizes.
For the residents of the Historic Center, the abandonment of these mansions is a problem of both security and quality of life. Rubén Salazar, who has lived in the area for more than 40 years, comments: “These houses are a danger. They are falling apart and no one knows who the owners are. The government should intervene before something serious happens.”
Other neighbors, like Martha Castillo, fear that these properties will become havens for criminals: “They are sources of infection and a constant danger. It is not fair that we have to live with this risk every day,” she laments.
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