The alarife was a kind of master builder, who in colonial times took care of every detail in the constructions, so that the quality and finish were distinctive.

In the city of the waterpots, the Office of the Historian established this award since 2005, which is presented at the Symposium Challenges in the Management and Administration of the City, which takes place every February 2nd next to the anniversary of the former village.

The one corresponding to 2021 was delivered just hours ago, to the architect who transformed the old building of the Santa Cecilia Society into the current Convention Center; and he received this award right here, in one of the places that demanded the most effort and care.

Although this time there was no symposium and the Covid-19 pandemic reduced the audience present, the just and deserved recognition was not far behind.

The architect

It is received by Dr. and architect Henry Mazorra Acosta, member of the project group of the Historian’s Office, founder of the entity and designer of the renovation of important works in the city, such as: Cultural Management Center, the Heritage Interpretation Center (The Model of the historic center) City Coffee and the extension of its cava.

When you talk to Henry you can appreciate the passion he puts into each project, his university students say it and I was also able to appreciate it when I approached him to find the scoop on his most current works: The morgue and the monument to honor the fallen heroes in 1851, where Joaquín de Agüero and his companions stand out.

When talking about Joaquín de Agüero and showing me a model to show his ideas, I was moved by the image he keeps of those patriots and the sensitivity that between partitions, a variety of marbles and unevenness, he offers as a project to honor them in the cemetery.

My congratulations

When I heard the news about the 2021 Fulgencio Arambula Public Alarife Award, created to distinguish people and institutions that in the world of ​​architecture and urban planning stand out in the safeguarding and protection of the historic center I understood the jury’s decision was very fair.

When I called the winner to congratulate him, I realized he is not a big fan of tributes and interviews, and he also assured me that he does not work to win an award, but always with the maximum efficiency and creativity that he can stamp on each work, where his hand and heart are one and the same.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García