Paseo de Montejo, in addition to its cultural and touristic wealth, is home to at least eight abandoned buildings that were once prestigious hotels and busy shops. Today, they remain forgotten, with no certainty of whether they will ever be restored.
The avenue covers a large part of 56th Street, starting at the “Montejo” roundabout of the conquistadors, passing by the monument to Felipe Carrillo Puerto, the statue of Justo Sierra O’Reilly, and culminating at the Monumento a la Patria. From this point begins the so-called Prolongación, and together they form one of the most important avenues in the capital of Yucatan, recognized for its architecture and historical value.
Among the eight places that stand out in oblivion, are the premises that once occupied Leo’s as well as the old Montejo Palace hotel, which at one time was a reference for Mérida’s nightlife, as well as others that are found between mansions and food stores.
They are not just monuments, they stand out for the architecture of the mansions that still exist and for the modern buildings with their history, enclosed in detail, as well as their green spaces and wide sidewalks.
This avenue has experienced significant deterioration in recent years, becoming a place with corners that show disinterest and, perhaps, no attraction for tourists, just a few meters after the monument to the flag.
More and more empty lots and premises for sale and rent are observed indiscriminately, whether they are hotels, inns, shops, or spaces that at some point were part of this avenue.
The situation in Mérida is reflected in a complex and challenging urban scenario, once a vital part of the urban fabric, it has experienced a notable deterioration, putting its attractiveness at risk for both locals and tourists.
Although it is now illuminated with patriotic ornaments, the area requires urgent rescue work of its iconic buildings that could be other gastronomic, and cultural, among other proposals.
TYT Newsroom
