C O M M U N I T Y & L E G A C Y
“More than an urban renewal, it became a new way of inhabiting the place.”
In the early stages of transforming downtown San José del Cabo into an official historic district, a meeting was organized with Senator and Congresswoman Rosa Delia to familiarize them with the area and draw inspiration from precedents such as Playa del Carmen and other similar destinations. The strategy was clear: first, present the location; then, persuade public officials; and finally, follow up to secure federal funding. To achieve this, we worked closely with the Ministry of Tourism, with the support of Alberto Treviño and Jacobo Turquie.
Consolidation of the Association and Collaboration with Authorities For several weeks, we received guidance and advice from politicians who helped shape the project’s direction. By that time, the San José del Cabo Historic District Association, A.C., had already been established, facilitating meetings with the director of public safety, the municipal secretary general, and other institutions. Collaboration with the municipal government was particularly strong, as the association supported all tourism-related matters.
Over time, we continued meeting with various political figures who listened to the needs of the historic district, and their guidance proved essential. The first official response soon arrived: a master plan was necessary. Working alongside Irene Bustos, the plan was developed and approved by the State Government. Thanks to Irene’s representation with a major company, the executive project to renovate the historic district was completed.
Project Development and Community Involvement The entire process took approximately two years and concluded during my term as president of the Association. What began with 20 business owners grew to nearly 100 members, most of them restaurateurs, who came together to address a problem at the wastewater treatment plant. This challenge ultimately fostered unity in pursuit of the common good.
The association included native families such as the González and Aragón families, Patricia Mendoza, who had recently arrived from La Paz, Gabriel Corral, who supported treasury efforts, and Armida Castro, who offered the restaurant at Hotel Tropicana as a meeting space, along with other families who still lived in the historic district. The most difficult task had already been accomplished: uniting around a shared goal.
Formalization and Key Achievements Formalizing the association was necessary primarily for financial reasons, as funds were available, and to be prepared to join the remodeling commission if the municipality selected us as a civil association. The greatest contribution was the dedication of time and resources, as well as close collaboration with the director of public safety, Mr. Ledesma, a highly capable professional.
The most significant achievement was the renovation of the historic district, carried out in two phases. It marked the first time substantial resources were invested in installing underground utilities. Merchants made sacrifices, including closing their businesses for one or two months, but we supported coordination and oversight efforts to meet deadlines and minimize disruptions.
Growth and Leadership Transition At that time, all businesses were small, yet most have since grown. Rosa Luz Treviño later assumed the presidency of the Association, followed by Blanca Pedrín. I, in turn, focused on opening Huerta Los Tamarindos and dedicating myself to my personal project.
Current Challenges and Maintenance of the Historic District Today, it is necessary to develop a maintenance plan for the historic district—repairing streets, sidewalks, and lighting, and clearly defining responsibilities for their upkeep. It is essential that all merchants re-engage.
The Historical and Cultural Value of the District The district’s history is compelling: the estuary has been polluted and restored several times. The town has been revitalized, commerce has grown, and fades and galleries now offer attractive artistic proposals. Noise issues are under control, and unity among merchants— particularly in matters of security—remains strong thanks to a solid relationship with municipal police.
We are now living in a new phase; the historic district is increasingly beautiful and professional. Looking back, it reminds us that nothing came easily: long meetings to review government guidelines, and at least 2 meetings per week in addition to committee sessions. At its peak, the association had more than 100 members and multiple specialized committees.
Internal Organization and Objectives of the Association The association operated with committees focused on advertising, security, jewelry, restaurants, and more, facilitating collaboration. The primary objective was promotion, and as members of the traditional festivities committee, we had a voice and a vote in all meetings and direct communication with the municipal secretary general. Business owners contributed the funds needed to operate, enabling significant progress.
Today, once again, it is necessary to encourage unity, conciliation, and dialogue among merchants —most of whom are leaders and owners— making it challenging to reach consensus on activities that involve everyone.
Personal Background and an Ecological Project As an agricultural engineer, I arrived in Los Cabos to collaborate on the Twin Dolphin project. I am both a hotelier and a farmer. The house where Los Tamarindos is now located was built in 1888 and once belonged to Don Ramón. The current project includes herbal medicine, a market, coffee production, eight cabins, an event space, a spa, and a restaurant.
The orchard is the soul of the project and part of an oasis featuring century-old plants such as guamúchil, tamarind, and mango. Ecological practices and organic agriculture have been promoted for more than 20 years, including certifications. Additionally, San José del Cabo was once home to four sugar mills, or trapiches, an essential element of local history.
