PURPOSE: This paper aims to explore the complex relationship between post-earthquake
reconstruction processes and gentrification in neighborhoods of intermediate cities,
calling on the critical role of recovery strategies in altering neighborhoods physical and
social urban structure identities.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The paper uses a case study; the reconstruction process
of the neighborhoods post 2010 earthquake in Talca, Chile and analyses in a six year
timeline its socio-spatial changes. The latter based on mixed methods; primary data from
strategic interviews with key stakeholders, cadasters of land value and real estate housing
projects and neighborhood polls, and secondary data from official documents such as
plans and policies.
FINDINGS: Findings suggest patterns of incipient gentrification are an outcome of the
reconstruction strategies. Acknowledging the intricate interplay among urban neoliberal
conditions, historical heritage and identities, and post disaster recovery, inadequate
housing subsidies and normative plans are causing the displacement of hundreds of
historical residents and resistance, arrival of newcomers with higher debt capacity in new
housing typologies, and increasing land value. Process related to neoliberal politics of
state led new-build gentrification.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Gentrification and reconstruction are both processes that modify urban
structures, society and perceptions, and yet their socio spatial effects have never been
studied in a cumulative and integrated manner, even more, in intermediate cities. The
value is to rethink the critical role of recovery strategies in halting and containing
gentrification in fast transforming secondary cities
