Tijuana's Prison City: A City Governed By Criminals

The mini city within Tijuana's infamous La Mesa State Penitentiary included wood-sided townhomes, shops, and courtyards.

1 minute read

September 17, 2002, 8:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"In the absence of a strong authority over the years, prisoners set many of the rules. They built as many as 400 houses, some with microwaves, computers, DVD players and air conditioning. There were maids, cooks and bodyguards. There were stores, pizza parlors, tequila bars and video emporiums."

Thanks to Laura Kranz

FULL STORY: Infamous Prison City Torn Down

Tuesday, September 17, 2002 in The Los Angeles Times

Social / Demographics United States

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Get 25% Off Your Subscription

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.