Depopulation or gentrification in Mexico. The historical center of Morelia

Abstract

This article reviews the trends of change in land use and depopulation in the Historic Center of the city of Morelia, a site inscribed on the World Heritage Site in 1991. It questions the concept of gentrification and its applicability to Latin American cities through the analysis of the case of Morelia, where processes observed are far removed from those that gave rise to the term. From the perspective of historical preservation and public management, the authors review changes in this area of the city, with emphasis on aspects related to residential use and the preservation of domestic architecture. Based on qualitative and quantitative methods, the main trends are identified, as well as the challenges facing the area.