30 Apr V Architecture Celebrates the Opening of Muñoz Rivera 200 and Looks Ahead to the Future of the Popular Center District

As Puerto Rico’s financial district continues to evolve, V Architecture is proud to contribute to the next chapter of urban revitalization with the opening of Muñoz Rivera 200, the newest landmark addition to Popular Center’s growing campus.

V Architecture is proud to have been part of the inauguration of Muñoz Rivera 200, known as The Bridge Building, a key milestone in the transformation of the Popular Center District in Hato Rey. The event on Friday, April 25, marked an important moment in Popular, Inc.’s $300 million redevelopment initiative.

Hosted by Richard L. Carrión, Executive Chairman of Popular, Inc., and its Senior Management Team led by Eduardo Negrón, Chief Administrator Officer of Popular, Inc., the celebration also featured a panel discussion on the vision for the Hato Rey and Popular Center District urban development. Our President and Managing Principal, Ilia M. Ríos, served as moderator, guiding the conversation among prominent leaders in architecture and development.  The speakers were Mr. Richard L. Carrión, Mr. Stan Eckstut, Principal at Perkins Eastman and Mr. Jonathan Marvel, Principal and Founder of Marvel Architects.

“Being part of this transformation has been an extraordinary journey for our team. We look forward to seeing how the Popular Center District will continue to energize and inspire Hato Rey and Puerto Rico,” said Ilia M. Ríos. During the ceremony, Carrión emphasized the project’s broader significance: “This is an investment in Puerto Rico; in urbanism, in the banking sector, in a Puerto Rico that we know will grow,” he said.

The Popular Center District was designed through the collaboration of Perkins Eastman, a leading architectural firm based in New York, and our team at V Architecture, proudly based in San Juan and committed to advancing Puerto Rico’s built environment. The Design Team was led by V Architecture and included the best local engineering design firms, as well as top specialty consultants from both local and mainland areas.  Some of the specialty consultants include: parking, vertical transportation, specialty lighting, envelope, graphic, and landscape, among others.  The project was managed by CPM and built by PRISA Group.

Muñoz Rivera 200 spans approximately 350,000 square feet and features a fitness and wellness center, a 16,000-square-foot supermarket, and 500 parking spaces. Connected via pedestrian bridges to other parts of the Popular Center District, the building is designed to promote ease of movement and strengthen community engagement. Sustainability was also a key focus, with electric vehicle charging stations.

This development represents the continued revitalization of an area originally envisioned in the 1960s as Puerto Rico’s financial and corporate center. Popular, Inc.’s vision for the Popular Center District builds on that legacy by creating a modern urban campus that integrates commercial, recreational, and residential spaces to renew the heart of Hato Rey.

V Architecture is honored to have contributed to the transformation of this historic area through a thoughtful and forward-focused design process.  Collaborating with Perkins Eastman, CPM, PRISA Group, and the best local and stateside basic and specialty consultants has been an honor and a privilege.    Our Design Team focused on creating spaces that balance functionality, sustainability, and community connection — key values central to the project’s success.

Looking ahead, the next phase of development will include completing the Plaza Building, which will feature the first hotel in the Milla de Oro district, and finalizing the Construction Documents for the Popular Center Portals.  These next projects will further activate the area and continue to enhance the District’s role as a financial and innovation hub.

We sincerely congratulate Popular, Inc., and the entire Project Team. We are proud to continue helping shape environments that foster progress, inspire connection, and contribute to the sustainable future of Puerto Rico’s urban fabric.