Originally the building had 12 apartments, but after the rehabilitation carried out by Reims 502, these 12 apartments were converted into 24 one-room housing units. This new proposal with a youthful, active and diverse approach sought to adapt to a light, flexible and urban lifestyle that would fit the socioeconomic reality of young people.
The three-level building fuses modern and traditional elements. The facade of clean and symmetrical lines contains large windows that allow the entry of natural light. The use of materials such as concrete, stone and glass give the building a modern and experimental air, reflecting the evolution of Mexican architecture towards more refined forms.
The rehabilitation aims to revitalize the neighborhood, showing a deep respect for the heritage and the preservation of the historical character of the building, while promoting sustainability in the city.
Petén by Reims 502. Photograph by Ariadna Polo.
Project description by Reims 502
In Mexico City, the 1950s buildings in the Vértiz-Narvarte neighborhood exhibited a modern architectural style, with clean lines, bold geometry, and minimalist facades. In this context, a multi-family building for the working class was erected in 1956, designed by architect and civil engineer Enrique Hernández Camarena.
The three-story building stood out for fusing modern and traditional elements. The facade featured clean, symmetrical lines, with large windows that allowed natural light to enter. The use of materials such as concrete, stone, and glass provided a modern and experimental air. The meticulously designed interiors offered spacious and functional spaces with architectural details that enhanced the beauty of the place. In this way, the building on Petén Street became a testimony to the evolution of Mexican architecture towards more refined forms, reflecting the collective search for an aesthetic in line with the modern and progressive vision of the time.
Sixty-five years later, this old 12-apartment building, which had fallen into oblivion and disrepair, was rediscovered as a valuable urban heritage worthy of being rescued. Its rehabilitation and reinsertion into the real estate market was made possible by capitalizing on a legislative gap that does not strictly regulate the subdivision of private units for rental purposes. This allowed the development of a new form of property ownership that was profitable for the owners, the original author's children, who were retired senior citizens seeking to generate income through their property rents. Thus, the original 12 apartments were converted into 24 single-room housing units, redesigned and adapted to contemporary needs that align with the socioeconomic reality of a young, active and diverse population, seeking a light, flexible and entrepreneurial lifestyle in an urban center.
The central location of the building, its connections to public transportation networks and the surrounding urban infrastructure provide the new residents with the opportunity to lead an accessible, sustainable and dignified life in the most important city in Mexico. This recycling project is based on a deep respect for heritage and a strong commitment to preserve and enhance the historic character of the building, while contributing to the revitalization of the intervened neighborhood. Its main motivation is to recover what has ceased to be efficient, but has demonstrated resilience in the face of devastating seismic events, to take advantage of it and give it a new life, thus promoting sustainability in the city and the economic viability of the project for its owners.
Finally, this housing complex aims to elevate human values and enhance the intervened environment to create extraordinary and accessible spaces that attract dynamic people who want to invest in the culture of "their neighborhood," live with awareness, build community, support the local and embrace sustainable living practices.
