Its design was the winning entry in an invited competition to seek the best combination of Mexico's past and future;[citation needed] the design uses quartz and electric lighting to achieve this effect.

[2] The Estela de Luz was criticized for being built late for the main ceremonies and for exceeding the estimated costs by almost three times.

Officials noted that the structure needed to be reinforced against earthquakes, similarly to that of the Torre Mayor.

This reinforcement, coupled with conflicts between the architect and the construction company, were major reasons for the additional time and expense.

[3] Two months after the January 2012 inauguration, the Estela de Luz was tested by the 2012 Guerrero–Oaxaca earthquake, which it withstood, along with other tall buildings in the area.