Mexico City Skyscraper Plans Fuel Debate

In Mexico City, controversial plans to develop what would be the tallest skyscraper in Latin America have opponents calling the project illegal. But the developers have a big-name architect and high-powered politicians behind them.

1 minute read

September 24, 2007, 9:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg

"An influential developer plans an enormous skyscraper at the edge of the city's giant central park. A celebrity architect is commissioned, and the ambitious mayor unveils the proposal at city hall."

"Instantly, the prospective tower's largely genteel neighbors rise up in arms. They vow to tie the plan up in lawsuits and procedural reviews. There is also a reclusive investor, a much-questioned relationship between the mayor and the developer and a building on the site that, though it has long been ignored, preservationists now want saved."

"This is Mexico City, and the fight over what would be Latin America's tallest skyscraper - at 300 meters, or 984 feet - takes on a tinge of high drama."

"The legal core of the debate is the site's zoning, which is now limited to commercial buildings of just five stories. The site cost Danhos just $18 million, far less than if zoned for a high-rise."

"The developers need a change in zoning, which is up to the city legislature."

FULL STORY: A Tower Fight, but Just What Borough Is This?

Thursday, September 20, 2007 in The New York Times

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