The Antigua Presidencia, Chapala’s former town hall, is finally ready for its reincarnation as central hub for cultural activities. The stately building located at the city’s main intersection will be formally reopened Thursday, August 27, 6 p.m.
The inauguration program will include performances by the the OrquestaTipica de Chapala and the CREM (regional music school) orchestra and chorus, complementing an art show featuring paintings by Tapatia artist Claudette Farah, photographs by Jocotepec’s Rey Trigueros. The public is welcome to attend, tour the new facility and enjoy the celebration.
The old Presidencia was built in stages between 1897 and 1910, designed in the classic Porfirian architectural style of the era. The contiguous southern wing, built privately in the 1950’s, was acquired and incorporated into the local government headquarters in 1980.
The main wing was evacuated in 1998 due to the increasing gravity of structural defects caused by movements in the geological fault line that runs through the center of town. City government offices, the local jail and regional headquarters for the state criminal court were relocated to safer temporary quarters at that time. The government finally moved into to a permanent home in 2001 after purchasing and renovating the landmark Hotel Nido, now known as the Palacio Municipal.
Restoration of the old city hall has been underway since 2007. The refurbished facility houses an enclosed auditorium located in the rear of the building where the jail cells once stood. It is equipped with padded seating for 214 spectators, a solid oak stage platform, backstage dressing rooms and theater lighting gear. An outdoor patio and café will also be situated on the ground floor. Second story salons will be utilized for art exhibits and cultural workshops, with access from downstairs by a metal spiral staircase or the elevator installed for persons with mobility handicaps.
Work to rehabilitate the southern wing as home to the municipality’s historical archives is still in progress.