Rescuing heritage to enhance it, the case of the Historic Center of Mexico City

The article analyzed the process of urban renewal in the Historic Center of Mexico City (CHCM) since the beginning of the 21st century, highlighting its link with neoliberal policies and its impact on the transformation of urban space. It explained that the renovation was based on heritage rescue as a development strategy, combining public and private investment to rehabilitate buildings and public spaces for tourism and commercial purposes.It was argued that urban renewal framed within the neoliberal model has favored the commodification of space, turning cultural heritage into an economic resource. The implementation of these policies responded to a model of governance in which local governments, companies and international organizations directed the intervention strategies. This phenomenon intensified urban inequality, favoring areas of high economic profitability while marginalizing other areas without commercial potential.The article highlighted the role of culture in urban renewal, as cities with a heritage legacy used their cultural resources to attract investment and tourism. In the case of the CHCM, heritage conservation was guided by commercial interests, establishing regulations on access and use that restricted the enjoyment of the space to certain social sectors. Finally, it was concluded that culture-based urban renewal requires a theoretical approach that articulates the materiality of space with the ideologies that underpin its transformation.