Puerto Rico Convention Center District Reaches Major Milestone for Development

Following the groundbreaking last month of a headquarter hotel to accommodate delegates of the new Puerto Rico Convention Center, the Puerto Rico Convention Center District Authority inaugurated the District’s urban park and fountain with a public celebration that took place on September 17, 2006.

A major element of the Puerto Rico Convention Center District, the new District Park includes promenades and walkways, fountains, play areas and other elements that aim to provide a gathering place for conventioneers, visitors and the community within the 113-acre waterfront development.

The project, which is expected to be completed in 2012 with a public and private investment of more than $1.3 billion, is considered the most ambitious project of its kind in the U.S. and its territories.

“With the addition of this new urban park and fountain systems, the Puerto Rico Convention Center District now serves as a place for rest and relaxation for tourists and local families alike,” stated Manuel Sanchez Biscombe, executive director, Puerto Rico Convention Center District.

“The District is an excellent example of how land that has fallen to disuse can be transformed to serve visitors and the community. What began with the opening of the new Convention Center last November will conclude once the construction of residences, businesses, hotels and other points of interest are completed,” Mr. Biscombe went on to say.

With the Puerto Rico Convention Center District’s main design point focusing on water and light, the elements which combine to form the urban park within the District is comprised of a system of lagoons, reflecting pools and fountains interspersed with walkways and promenades.