Gentrification at a medium global scale in Latin America. The case of the reconstruction of Managua, Nicaragua 1972 - 2014

In the contemporary context, it is possible to study gentrification processes at a wide range of scales across the global territory. Within this framework, the role of intermediate cities is crucial, especially when undergoing post earthquake reconstruction, as it happens in many Latin American cities. This article amplifies the gentrification debate, looking at reconstruction urban policies applied on intermediate cities, using the Diagram of Earthquake Alert Cycle (DCAT) as theoretical framework. The gentrification process triggered by interventions in Managua’s central area, between 1972 and 2014, is documented. Five landmarks related to specific reconstruction policies, are studied, as they have played a role in the development of real estate speculation processes, contributing to social replacement, as well as the growth of the urban area of the city. The article concludes that gentrification has been present since the beginning of the post 1972 interventions in the city of Managua, even though it is not regarded as part of the government’s agenda, which means that it requires attention, in order to revert the process towards the generation of new opportunities for urban development