Mérida’s Plaza Grande facelift: Old shade trees out, modern benches in

Since its start last April, the remodeling of Mérida’s iconic Plaza Grande has raised eyebrows.

One of the most surprising aspects of this project was how little it was publicized beforehand.

From the air, the changes to the Plaza Grande seem relatively negligible. The main difference is the loss of several mature trees.

Former Gov. Mauricio Vila said the project would be complete before the end of his term on Sept. 30. However, when Vila left office to take on a position as a senator on Aug. 29, the project was unfinished and in the hands of the interim governor, María Dolores Fritz Sierra.

Regardless of the need for the renovation, the vast majority of readers surveyed by Diario de Yucatán believed that the money spent on the plaza remodel was unnecessary and likely a play to squeeze out the last bit of resources held by the treasury.  

“This sort of thing happens every few years, but if they are going to do it, they may as well use the money on something we need, like fixing potholes and improving lighting in the south of the city,” said Mérida local Martín Rosado on Facebook. 

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Aside from the loss of large trees, the most controversial aspect of the Plaza Grande remodel has been the placement of modernistic concrete benches, which INAH had deemed stylistically inappropriate and ordered their removal.

However, some compromise appears to have been achieved. The modern-style benches are still in the Plaza Grande and appear there to stay in combination with the more traditional seating.

There is considerably less tree cover to offer shade in the Plaza Grande than before the remodel, but state officials have assured the public that this will change after a couple of rainy seasons. 

Mérida’s Ateneo Peninsular, next to Mérida’s Cathedral, is also being revamped. It will serve as a new museum covering the history of Yucatán. 

As for Mérida’s Contemporary Art Museum, the MACAY, no official announcement has been made regarding its fate.