San Juan, Puerto Rico
113 acres
Convention center, hotel, retail, office
In association with Andrés Mignucci Giannoni Arquitectos and Ken Greenberg, Greenberg Consultants Ltd.

This ambitious mixed-use development replaces a former naval base on the Isla Grande peninsula of Puerto Rico, just across the canal from the 400-year old city of Old San Juan. CBT was commissioned by developers Spaulding Slye to transform an existing master plan into a workable development scheme for the 113-acre site. To meet the goals of establishing a convention/business destination and defining a new urban domain within the context of the city’s rich history, the original master plan was divided into a system of smaller blocks scaled to blend with the character and climate of San Juan. Streets were reorganized to radiate from the convention center focal point, increasing parking and maximizing public use. Mindful of the sun’s path, placement of streets and buildings optimizes shade protection without compromising views. A large reflecting pool forms a grand forecourt to the convention center and links to a park system leading to the canal, creating a visual connection to Old San Juan. Hotels are located closest to the center with offices, commercial space and parking clustered nearby. Intermittent residential buildings and ground-level retail contribute to a diverse urban district that is easily integrated into its bordering neighborhoods.