The Pasaje Picheta’s long-awaited re-opening has been delayed again, with mid-September being announced as the beginning of a partial re-opening.
That means the renovations would have dragged on for 22 months. Its upstairs restaurant would follow still later, in October.
The opening will be scheduled around Mexico’s Independence Day, on Sept. 16, according to the announcement. Indeed, the Pasaje Picheta is situated in the heart of the action for the occasion. Facing the Plaza Grande, the site is adjacent to the Government Palace, where officials appear to lead the ceremony the night before the actual holiday.
Originally the shopping arcade and tourist information center was to reopen last October. While the new walls and windows have been up for months, electrical issues have stalled the project.
The shopping arcade inhabits one of Merida’s most historic buildings, built in 1639 as a prison. Its present incarnation as a shopping center started in 1993 after years of abandonment.
Ten commercial tenants will do business on the ground floor. Upper levels will have an eventual restaurant and tourist center, with windows overlooking the main square.
Work began under the previous state administration with a budget of 17 million pesos.
With information from Punto Medio
