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Baja California Preservation News
By Maria Curry
January/February 2025
Editor’s note: Maria Curry is cultural resources management director at the Baja California Ministry of Culture.
 Alma Delia Abrego, the state secretary of culture, spoke during festivities marking the 100th anniversary of Teniente Guerrero Park, the oldest green area in Tijuana. Maria Curry is standing to the right of Abrego. Photo by Ana Silvia Saldaña |
 Puerto Nuevo, a small community with over 30 restaurants—many of which began in the 1970s and specialize in lobster dishes—will undergo renovations in preparation for a binational tourist fair. To ensure the area retains its distinctive cultural character, the secretary of culture is providing guidance throughout the process. Photo by Maria Curry |
 The Villa Colonial curio shop was a cafe in the 1930s. Taking advantage of its location at the corner of Avenida Revolución and Santiago Argüello, the historic building has two different Art Deco facades. Unfortunately, the owner chose paint colors that are not historically accurate. The secretary of culture is advising them on an appropriate color scheme for this building, which is eligible for designation as a cultural heritage site. Photo by Maria Curry |
 This makeshift wooden wall in front of La Tradición restaurant on Santiago Argüello is meant to have a painted mural, and is intended to hide an unsightly light post. However, the wall also blocks public view of two historic facades. The secretary of culture suggested the light post be repaired instead. Photo by Maria Curry |
 The historic Nelson Hotel, at the entrance to Santiago Argüello and Plaza Santa Cecilia, was built in the 1950s and originally painted beige. The lower portion has since been repainted an inappropriate green. The secretary of culture has advised using historic colors from now on. Photo by Maria Curry |
 The secretaries of culture and tourism will soon meet to recommend design guidelines for Puerto Nuevo in Rosarito. They have proposed a reconaissance survey, identification of architectural features and styles, and an inventory and dating of the coastal area’s buildings, such as Hacienda Ortega's, c. 1980s. Photo by Juan Carlos Domínguez |
Tijuana’s Teniente Guerrero Park
turns 100
The Baja California ministry of culture recently organized a centennial celebration in downtown Tijuana for Teniente Guerrero Park, the city’s first public green space, founded in 1924 through a grassroots initiative. Josefina Rendón Parra, a schoolteacher, organized a group of women known as Patronato Pro-Patria to create a welcoming and secure environment downtown that would promote family ties and traditions during the height of Prohibition.
A decade ago, the state government designated the park as a historic district, recognizing the preservation of the original design. The park features 100-year-old trees, statues, a fountain, a library, and a 1950s pavilion. Residents gathered in front of the pavilion to celebrate the park’s centennial. State Secretary of Culture Alma Delia Abrego gave an emotional speech, paying tribute to many people who had helped sustain the park for decades. Ricardo Fitch, who recently passed away, was the last person she mentioned. He joined Tijuana pioneer families in the park for annual celebrations. Music, dance by children's groups, and a circlesinging session led by teacher Arinda Caballero followed.
Rehabilitating Puerto Nuevo Lobster
Town facades
As preparations begin for the first binational tourist fair, or Tianguis Turístico (to be held April 28-May 1, 2025), the state secretary of tourism plans to help preserve the cultural and architectural character of Puerto Nuevo, a renowned seaside community in Rosarito. Home to over 30 restaurants, many housed in distinctive buildings with colorful facades, the area is famous for its signature lobster dish, “langosta Puerto Nuevo style.” In late 2024, the state secretary of culture surveyed structures over 50 years old to provide guidance on preserving their historic integrity. Plans call for repairing and repainting the 1970s buildings. With its coastal charm and rich history, Puerto Nuevo is eligible for designation as a historic district under the state’s preservation law.
Old Avenida Revolución in Tijuana now
pedestrian friendly
The state and municipal governments have transformed the historic 1920s Avenida Revolución into a pedestrian-only district, featuring cultural activities to attract families, tourists, and residents, and to foster community engagement. A welcoming sign and a carousel now occupy the middle of the street, and several blocks have been closed to vehicles. The secretary of culture is holding weekly events in the street, including theater, music, and dance. Pedestrians can continue to explore the various curio shops along the historic street and step into restaurants such as the historic Cesar’s and Hotel Nelson, as well as Praga Café, Chiki Jai, and Museo del Taco. A big success, the pedestrian project has made the street safer and more inviting for everyone.
Tijuana’s 1880s Santiago Argüello street
eligible for designation
Laid out diagonally, Santiago Argüello is one of the oldest streets in the city. At its northern end, where it meets Avenida Revolución, sits Plaza Santa Cecilia, which includes the mariachi plaza and the city’s main LGBTQ-centric area. Recently, the secretary of tourism authorized facade repairs and repainting of several bars, shops, and restaurants. Because of the street's historic significance, the secretary of culture offered recommendations and design guidelines to the business owners and the government agencies involved to ensure the preservation of historic features and facade integrity. The area and several individual structures on the street are eligible for historic designation.
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