Jalisco’s Ministry of Culture stepped in to secure the preservation of an historic Chapala property after the Fundacion de Arquitectura Tapatia raised concerns that it was being demolished, presumably to make space for the construction of commercial outlets.
The house and an adjacent garden located at Hidalgo 251 were remodeled in the 1940s by famed Mexican architect Luis Barragan.
During an inspection last week, state officials determined that the work in progress was limited to repairing collapsed portions of a perimeter stone wall and a caretaker’s cottage. The current owner has been advised to obtain approval from the state cultural agency prior to any further interventions, in accordance with the established protocols for the protection of architectural patrimony.
During his stellar career, Barragan (1902-1988) had a hand in building or remodeling four other Chapala properties, including his family home on Avenida Madero opposite City Hall, and three others located on Avenida Ramón Corona.