Councillors of the government of the National District ordered a stop to any renovation works at the San Francisco Ruins. The Ministry of Tourism recently announced a major renovation project to be implemented with funds from the Interamerican Development Bank. The project, designed by the Spanish architectural firm of Arch. Jose Rafael Moneo, creates an entertainment center around the ruins. The reinforced concrete additions to the ruins have met with strong opposition by local architects that insist the monument would lose its authenticity.
Meanwhile the Ministry of Tourism Colonial City coordinator, architect Maribel Villalona yesterday defended the project, stressing that it met with all the international and national norms and respects cultural heritage. She said there is time to reach a consensus and carry out the adjustments to the winning project. The project calls for an investment of US$7 million. She said they have only paid 5% to the Consorcio Moneo Arquitectos for the design. She said 20% of the San Francisco Ruins renovation project has been implemented.
Turismo defiende proyecto de rehabilitación ruinas San Francisco