Merida old railway station
The Merida railway station is located on Calle 55 between 48 and 46, not too far from downtown proper. Since passenger rail services stopped in 1997, this neo-Colonial building has been renovated and now houses an art institute, the Escuela Superior de Artes de Yucatan.
It is one of the best preserved buildings of its kind and is for this reason worth seeing. The ornate architectural details reflect Moorish influences, and the central tower is especially noteworthy. The old (and only) train station in the city was built between 1913 and 1920 by the English architect Charles J.S. Hall, and is considered perhaps the only example in Merida of the neocolonial style promoted by the government at the time. Not much else can be researched about both the construction and the architect himself.
This building was restored by the state government in 2007 to house the state art school. In spite of the significant improvement, these past +10 years are showing the lack of adequate upkeep, unfortunately.
The future plan for the large land extension is to create a park. The residents of this area, known as La Plancha district have been campaigning to see this project thru.
Gran Parque La Plancha is the concept to transform the 60-acre field behind them into a public park. Proponents call the park a potential “green lung” where young and old can meet for exercise, take a walk or just relax with family and friends. The site is a rarity for the crowded Centro — a massive open space. Between Calles 55 and 43, and Calles 48 and 46, the site would appear perfectly positioned to become a forested park with walking paths, botanical and community gardens, playing fields, and a bicycle lane. A local resident estimates about that +200 expats now live in the area.
The federally owned parcel is tied up in a dispute between the government and a former railroad concession holder.
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