The company OCESA ignored rulings indicating the risk of collapse in the forum located inside the Plaza Condesa. It continued presenting shows despite the damage suffered in the earthquake of September 19, 2017.
The Plaza Condesa is a 71-year-old building. Since 2011 has been operated by the entertainment monopoly OCESA, which ignored the government’s ruling. During 2018 and 2019 continued to hold events despite the risk it implied for attendees.
Until 2020 when the pandemic began, it had to close due to health issues, as did all the entertainment centers.
The opinion of the Institute for the Safety of Constructions of Mexico City (ISC) with official letter number ISCDF-DG-2018-2702, stipulates on December 29, 2018, that due to the business of the company, which causes high sound vibrations, the risk of collapse was imminent, and its demolition was recommended.
This came after two months of inspections in buildings, homes, businesses, and public spaces, which resulted in a report declaring some establishments as “high risk of collapse”, among them Plaza Condesa.
However, Ocesa refused to comply with the recommendations until it rescinded the contract to operate the venue with a capacity of approximately 1,800 people, and demanded compensation through legal channels, even though the damage resulted from an earthquake.
The building is at risk of collapse due to damage to various structures, in addition to the fact that two other buildings that make up the complex have severe structural damage, which could cause an imminent collapse affecting the population within a radius of 300 meters.
On May 5, 2021, neighbors of the area expressed their concern to César Cravioto, then commissioner for reconstruction, due to a notice that had already revealed the risk posed by the building, so they wanted the authorities to take care of it.
The building was built between 1952 and 1973 thanks to the design of Engineer Francisco J. Serrano, who gave it the Art Deco style.
In its beginnings the space was occupied by a movie theater, however, in 2011 OCESA initiated the development of a particular forum for entertainment, art, and culture.
In 2017, this property was damaged during the September 19 earthquake, which led to the eviction of neighbors and the suspension of commercial activities.
JGR
