On Saturday, August 16, 2025, a group of women architects and colleagues had the unique opportunity to experience the architectural transformation of the Popular Center District firsthand. The event, “Women Leading Design: An Experience of BPPR’s Sustainable Transformation,” was co-hosted by V Architecture, the Women in Architecture Committee of AIA Puerto Rico, and Banco Popular Puerto Rico.

Representing the Women in Architecture Committee, Marialy Pérez of V Architecture welcomed attendees, highlighting the importance of women’s leadership in large-scale architectural projects. The tour offered a comprehensive walkthrough of the district’s innovative buildings, including the Plaza Building currently under construction, which includes Corporate Offices, Training & Development Center, and an AC Hotel, and Muñoz Rivera 200 opened in March 2025, which includes a Popular Drive-Thru and Popular Fitness & Wellness Center.

Denise Gutierrez, BPPR’s Design and Construction Manager, shared the client’s vision, contextualizing each project within the bank’s history, corporate culture, and commitment to public art. Throughout the tour, V Architecture’s project team—including Ilia M. Ríos, Rebeca C. Irizarry Roig, Jessica N. Díaz Bras, Joan M. Monge, Adriana Ostolaza, Charleen Crespo, and Miraida Rodríguez—highlighted design features, technical details, and sustainable solutions incorporated into each building.

Among the most notable facts shared were:

• More than 22 basic and specialty consultants collaborated on the project, spanning architecture, landscape architecture, lighting, acoustics, telecommunications, traffic, elevators, building envelope, life safety, and technical specifications.

• Design meetings began virtually in June 2020, with over 40 participants attending

• The Plaza Site Building rises 239’-4”, just 10 feet shorter than the iconic Popular Center.

• Foundations feature piles reaching 70 feet deep, with a total of 2,271 piles across two buildings.

• The construction document set for the Plaza includes approximately 1,000 large-format drawings

• The campus will house the first hotel in Hato Rey and the first covered public plaza featuring Jaume Plensa’s sculpture “Alma,” standing 45 feet tall.

• Sustainability features aim for LEED Gold Certification, including stormwater bioswales, energy-efficient mechanical systems, bioclimatic design, low-VOC materials, and WELL-aligned healthy spaces.

Plaza Site Building is a mixed-use 11-story development combining corporate offices, retail, a student hub, 800 parking spaces, and a 121-key hotel. La Plaza del Plaza is designed as a vibrant public space, inspired by Roman squares, encouraging social interaction and community engagement.

The AC Hotel by Marriott, the first in Hato Rey, and the Training & Development Center, a 30,000 sq. ft. innovation hub, further anchor the campus, supporting business, learning, and collaboration. The Corporate Offices, Muñoz Rivera 200 including the Fitness & Wellness Center reinforce the bank’s commitment to accessibility, sustainable mobility, and holistic employee wellness.

The event concluded with refreshments at the Fitness & Wellness Center Juice Bar, providing attendees the opportunity to reflect on the day’s insights and celebrate the impact of women’s leadership in architecture.

“It was inspiring to witness how talented women architects have left their mark on the Popular Center District, integrating human-centered design, sustainability, and community wellbeing,” said Marialy Pérez. “This tour reminds us that women’s leadership continues to transform our environment.”

The Architectural Tour of BPPR’s district demonstrated not only innovative design solutions but also the power of collaboration, vision, and commitment to shaping spaces that serve people and the community.