Boulder, Colorado, 29 November, 2004 - Heritage Conservation Network has entered into an innovative partnership with Pro Centro Zona Monumental in an effort to jump start the revitalization of the historic center of Puebla, Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. HCN will organize a series of hands-on conservation workshops in Puebla beginning in April 2005 that will bring conservationists to the city to do restoration work at some of the buildings and, more importantly, establish a demonstration project to encourage additional restoration work.

Pro Centro is a non-profit agency working to preserve and revitalize the historic district of Puebla, and Heritage Conservation Network, also a non-profit organization, works around the world preserving architectural heritage. Their first workshop will focus on the survey, documentation and assessment work that needs to be done to develop an inventory and determine an overall conservation strategy. Work will initially begin at the Casona del Alguacil Mayor. Pro Centro uses the building as its headquarters and acquired it for the demonstration project, which is anticipated to attract volunteers from around the world to assist with the documentation and assessment of the priceless interior frescoes and the exterior Talavera tiles found on this building and numerous others within the World Heritage Site. The tiles reflect the Chinese, European and Mexican influences which coursed through the city during its heyday as part of the trade connection between Asia and Europe via a land bridge across colonial Mexico.

For more information about HCN or the conservation workshops in Puebla, please see the HCN web site, www.heritageconservation.net, or contact Judith Broeker at +1 303 444 0128.

Heritage Conservation Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of architectural heritage around the world. Through a network of experts, volunteers and community members, the organization aims to increase awareness of the significance of historic sites and foster the appreciation of varied cultures. HCN’s workshops stimulate a community's interest in and knowledge of appropriate conservation skills, helping provide for the long-term preservation of its significant structures and sites.