The Mercado del Norte, located in the heart of Monterrey’s El Nacional neighborhood, is an architectural gem that has stood the test of time.
Inaugurated on June 6, 1930, this market was conceived to meet the supply needs of a growing city.
Designed by Spanish architect Cipriano J. González Bringas and engineer Miguel Osuna Treviño, the building combines modern and neocolonial architectural styles, highlighting Art Deco elements that make it unique in the region.
Over the years, the Mercado del Norte has witnessed Monterrey’s evolution, from its commercial boom to the challenges of abandonment and deterioration.
However, its historical and cultural value makes it a symbol of Monterrey’s identity and an ideal candidate for restoration and urban revitalization projects.
What is the history of the Mercado del Norte in Monterrey?
The Mercado del Norte (Northern Market) was established in a strategic area of Monterrey, in the Sarabia neighborhood, right in the old El Nacional neighborhood.
This neighborhood, established around 1920, was characterized by its commercial dynamism, driven by the proximity of the Unión Station (now the Central Bus Station) and the Golfo Station (now the Cultural Center).
The market was conceived as a multifunctional center that housed:
104 indoor and 34 outdoor spaces.
Two event rooms on the upper floor.
Administrative offices.
Steam baths, Turkish baths, a sauna, and massages.
A theater company that offered variety shows.
Various businesses such as pharmacies, hardware stores, cafes, and hair salons.
On December 31, 1953, a fire devastated the building.
However, thanks to the joint efforts of the community and authorities, the market was rebuilt and reopened on July 31, 1954, modernizing its facilities and reaffirming its importance in the daily lives of Monterrey residents.
What significance does the El Nacional neighborhood have in the history of Monterrey?
The El Nacional neighborhood is one of Monterrey’s most iconic areas. Its origins date back to the 1920s, when the city was experiencing rapid growth.
The installation of important train stations made the neighborhood a hub for commerce and social interaction.
Among the characteristics that defined the El Nacional neighborhood are:
A proliferation of businesses such as hotels, butcher shops, tailors, hairdressers, and cafes.
Strategic location between Madero Avenue and Colón Street.
Neighborhood with other historic neighborhoods such as El Matehuala and middle-class residential areas.
Despite urban transformations, such as the construction of Metro Line 2 and the expansion of Madero Avenue, the El Nacional neighborhood maintains its essence and continues to be a symbol of Monterrey’s cultural identity.
What is the current state of the Mercado del Norte and what has been done to preserve it?
In recent decades, the Mercado del Norte has faced significant challenges, including abandonment and structural deterioration.
However, its historical and architectural value has motivated various initiatives for its preservation.
In 2015, writer Jorge Luis Zavala launched a Change.org campaign to collect signatures and propose the rehabilitation of the building.
The proposal was addressed to the Monterrey City Council and the State Council for Culture and the Arts (Conarte), with the goal of converting the building into a cultural and artistic space.
The Mercado del Norte is protected by the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBA) due to its modernist and neocolonial architecture.
Despite these efforts, a comprehensive restoration project has not yet materialized.
However, the interest of the community and various institutions remains, keeping alive the hope of returning the Mercado del Norte to its original splendor and functionality.
The preservation of the Mercado del Norte not only represents the conservation of a historic building, but also an opportunity to revitalize the El Nacional neighborhood and strengthen Monterrey’s cultural identity.
Source: posta
