Architect Henry Ponce celebrates 30 years of shaping Mérida’s architectural landscape, solidifying his place as one of the most influential contemporary Yucatecan architects. In this exclusive feature, he shares his journey, the evolution of design in Mérida, and the city’s transformation—from the revitalization of Centro to the renewal of forgotten spaces in the modern city. This is a deep dive into Mérida’s recent history, its second great boom in development and restoration, and the passion driving its architectural renaissance.
A Journey Shaped by Creativity and Passion
Reflecting on three decades in the industry, Ponce describes his overwhelming sense of gratitude. “I feel grateful for all the people who helped make this journey possible,” he says. His team, constantly evolving, has played a fundamental role in shaping his practice.
His professional journey began at the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY), where he was fortunate to learn from talented professors who emphasized the importance of historical preservation. The education he received instilled in him a deep respect for Mérida’s architectural heritage and influenced his future work in restoring and modernizing historic homes.
Developing a Signature Architectural Philosophy & Style
When someone mentions, “I own a Ponce home,” one immediately has a clear image of the architectural elegance and distinctive style characteristic of Ponce houses.
After graduating, Ponce faced the challenge that many young architects experience—finding his own style. “Early on, I was designing what clients wanted, but not necessarily what I envisioned,” he explains. Over time, he began to shape his own architectural philosophy, drawing inspiration from mid-century modernism and the works of influential architects such as Luis Barragán, Fernando García Ponce, Fernando López, and Félix Mediterrán.
Ponce’s work blends contemporary aesthetics with Yucatán’s architectural heritage. He prioritizes clean lines, open spaces, and a strong connection to nature—philosophies that seamlessly integrate with Mérida’s climate and landscape. “Functionality and the relationship with the outdoors are fundamental to my designs,” he explains.
The Transformation of Centro Histórico
Mérida’s Centro Histórico has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past three decades, and Ponce has played a crucial role in this evolution. “In the 1950s, families began moving out of the city center to newly developed neighborhoods like García Ginerés, Itzimná, and Colonia México, leaving Centro largely abandoned,” he explains. As businesses took over many of the historic properties, the district lost much of its residential charm.
However, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, foreigners began purchasing and restoring Centro’s colonial homes, sparking a new wave of revitalization. Ponce’s firm alone has restored more than 200 historic homes, helping to breathe new life into the district while preserving its original character. “Today, locals and investors alike see the value of Centro as a vibrant, livable part of the city,” he notes.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
While Ponce appreciates the recent development boom in Mérida, he also emphasizes the need for thoughtful urban planning and zoning. “Mérida is growing rapidly, but zoning regulations have not kept pace,” he warns. With the increasing construction of high-rise buildings and modern developments, he believes that balancing growth with preservation is essential to maintaining the city’s charm and identity.
Defining Success with National Biennale
One pivotal moment in Ponce’s career was the restoration of a small home in Centro. Frustrated by a lack of creative freedom, he decided to invest in a property where he could fully express his architectural vision. “I took the risk to create something true to my style,” he recalls. The result was a groundbreaking project that won a gold medal at the National Biennale and a silver medal at the local Biennale, earning widespread recognition.
This success proved that creating opportunities is key. “People started coming to my office with publications of that house, asking for similar designs,” he says. The project also led to commissions outside Mérida, expanding his reach to states like Tlaxcala and Veracruz.
Preserving History While Embracing the Future
For Ponce, historical preservation is crucial. He advocates for maintaining Mérida’s mid-century architecture, which often goes overlooked prominent in neighborhoods such as García Ginerés, Itzimná, Alcalá Martin and Colonia México. He also supports revitalizing existing neighborhoods rather than uncontrolled urban expansion. “Instead of spreading outward, imagine how amazing it would be to reinvest in areas that already have history and soul,” he says.
Founding of CADY and Community Engagement
His latest project, in collaboration with his business partner Tiki de Velasco, aims to revitalize an overlooked neighborhood, fostering community development and encouraging restoration efforts.
In 2023, Ponce co-founded the Centro de Arte y Diseño de Yucatán (CADY), a hub dedicated to fostering architectural innovation and cultural enrichment. CADY serves as a platform for workshops, exhibitions, and dialogues, promoting sustainable development and the preservation of Yucatán’s architectural heritage. Notably, CADY hosted the “Movimiento Moderno de Yucatán” event in November 2024, featuring esteemed architects Miquel Adrià and Felipe Leal, who emphasized the importance of preserving modern movement architecture and revitalizing urban spaces.
Advice for the Next Generation of Architects
As he reflects on 30 years in architecture, Ponce remains passionate about his work. He continues to advocate for adaptive reuse, blending contemporary design with historical integrity. His projects not only celebrate Mérida’s past but also shape its future.
For aspiring architects, his advice is simple: follow your passion and stay true to your vision. “Success comes from doing what you love,” he says. “It takes courage to follow your instincts, but when you do, you will find your place.” His journey serves as an inspiration, proving that dedication, vision, and a deep respect for history can shape a city’s future.
As Mérida continues its architectural renaissance, Henry Ponce remains at the forefront, transforming spaces with a blend of innovation and heritage—a true testament to three decades of passion and creativity.
