Global Mexicana

BY JERRY JONES

A DERELICT BUILDING IN PUERTO VALLARTA WAS ALL THAT STOOD BETWEEN CALIFORNIA INTERIOR DESIGNER JACOB SCHERER AND HIS DREAM OF A TROPICAL PARADISE.

With a keen eye for design and a relentless entrepreneurial spirit, Scherer transformed the structure into the stunning Cuale Condos, a testament to his ability to blend historic charm with modern luxury.

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The dilapidated building that sat on the corner of Aquiles Serdan and Camichin, was deemed by many as a tear-down. But it presented an unconventional canvas for Scherer, and a challenge to save the structure.

With a deep-rooted passion for historic preservation, he recognized the building's potential to become a cornerstone of the evolving neighborhood. He saw what would soon become the Cuale Condos, and turned that vision into a haven of modern comfort and timeless elegance. The result: Cuale Condos, a 15-unit boutique hotel boasting spacious apartments, executive offices, and a rooftop oasis complete with a pool, jacuzzi, and breathtaking city views.

Scherer, an interior designer with Daluso Design, is from Mountain View, California and moved to Puerto Vallarta in 2016 with Ulises Zavala, who owns Uli Studio.

After constructing a beautiful mini hacienda called Casa Da Lusso near the market on Lazaro Cardenas, Jacob continued to work as president of his company from Mexico.

However, he soon realized he had no plans to leave Mexico and decided he needed an income source for his new life. To accomplish this, he sold his Mexican house and U.S. company and, along with his longtime best friend and business partner Jim Lewis, a commercial developer with J.V. Lewis Enterprises, Inc., they purchased a building on the corner of Aquiles Serdan and Camichin. The building was sourced and purchased through Ryan Donner of Coldwell Banker, now the broker and owner of Donner and Associates.

“At the time, the building was very run-down, and many considered it a tear-down. However, the neighborhood was in transition, and I saw opportunity,” Scherer said. “After reviewing the structure with an engineer, we decided to reinforce the building and foundations, reusing many of the existing details. The concept was to maintain Mexican authenticity while combining modern conveniences and amenities.”

Jacob and Jim embarked on the design process, with Jacob leveraging his years of architectural experience to begin the project in full 3D.

“Together with Ariel Oliver (now the owner of his own company, www.olaastudio), we were able to create a detailed set of plans and 3D concept drawings, sourcing all materials from Mexico,” Scherer explained. “Many elements, such as the tiles, were custom-made using handmade cement Mexican mosaics. Once the plans were completed, we contracted Laboratorio de Arquitectura Mexicana (LAM), a local construction and architecture company, to handle the heavy lifting of reinforcing the building and completing all rooftop and exterior details. Simultaneously, we worked with a separate construction team, Abikar, to remodel the interiors unit by unit as finances permitted.”

Cuale Condos is operated by Jacob Scherer and his partner Alberto Retano (@onater_albertho), along with a dedicated cleaning and maintenance team.

This gay-owned and operated highend boutique condo hotel offers full staff and numerous high-end amenities at an affordable price.

Located in the heart of the Romantic Zone, Cuale Condos provides guests with a true Mexican experience, complete with all the comforts and conveniences, while being only a short, flat walk to all the fun and sun that the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Catering to both a Mexican and expat vacation rental community, Cuale Condos continues to impress clients from around the globe.