Molding with INAH a Bust at Casa Santorini
One of the reasons why we love Mazatlán so much is that we are intrigued with the archeological history that is Centro Historico. With the eclectic mix of art deco, neoclassical, modernism, and even some sprinkled baroque styles, Centro Historico is littered with an assortment of architectural styles that are not uniform in any way. And yet, there’s also this unspoken sadness with many of the now derelict homes that were once prosperous and beautiful in their heydays that emerged into disrepair.
Much of Historic Center has gone through periods of transformations when families started splitting their homes and changing a once beautiful colonial façade into a more modern look for its time. There are some cool characteristics among many of the “new modern” renovations that were done around the 1970’s and some have seen better days from the early 1920’s. Casa Santorini was exactly that house. We had found images of the street Casa Santorini sits on where the house had the neoclassical tropical influences and we wanted to pay tribute to the original structure.
Casa Santorini, March 2019
Casa Santorini, August 2019
Casa Santorini, August 2019
Casa Santorini, September 2019
Casa Santorini, January 2020
Thus began the long and divided relationship with 35 Agave and the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (National Institute of Anthropology and History) otherwise known as INAH. We had petitioned to restore the façade to its original glory giving the house the opportunity to go back to its roots. Part of the petition was to include the defining moldings that give an outline above the windows and doors of most of the neoclassical structures in Centro Historico.
Sadly, our petition and request was denied but we were able to restore partially to the original facade. When people ask, why we decided against putting up molding on the facades our response is always “INAH didn’t let us.” If restoring a home in Mazatlan’s Historic Center is something of desire, always be prepared that you may not be granted your wish.