16 Apr V Architecture Continues to Impact Puerto Rico’s Premier Convention District
The Puerto Rico Convention District continues proving it is the Caribbean’s premier convention site and entertainment hub. As part of the zone’s ongoing development, V Architecture joined our esteemed longtime collaborators, PRISA Group, at the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the Hilton Dual Brand project, a first on the island.
This event, which included Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi’s participation, was particularly significant as it marked the beginning of construction for Puerto Rico’s first dual-branded hotel project, a $77 million investment. The project will combine Hilton International’s Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites under one roof, adding 257 rooms to the Convention Center District in San Juan. The two hotels will share common areas and entertainment facilities, such as a lobby, gym, pool, and meeting rooms, offering guests a unique and immersive experience.
When the Puerto Rico Tourism Company envisioned an ambitious development to replace a former naval base on the Isla Grande peninsula, across from the San Antonio Canal and Old San Juan of approximately 113 acres back in 1999, V Architecture had the privilege to be selected as Architect of Record for the New Convention Center, the largest and most technologically advanced venue in the Caribbean. The Convention Center was the center of the District aimed to create a convention/business destination where people could meet, stay, work, dine, and live. While designing the Convention Center, V Architecture worked in collaboration with other master planning firms that were in charge of the District development.
“As I reflect on 25 years with V Architecture, it is remarkable to witness the transformation of this District,” shares our firm’s President and Principal, Ilia Ríos, “and know that we will permanently be part of this landmark’s history.” This project marks the firm’s fifth endeavor in the Convention Center District, starting with the iconic Puerto Rico Convention Center, followed by the Hyatt House, Hyatt Place, and Distrito T-Mobile which includes the Aloft San Juan Hotel.
With this new project, our firm joins an elite group of Hospitality industry designers by having worked with the top worldwide brands Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott. Marialy Pérez, Senior Project Manager at V Architecture, has been instrumental in designing all four hotels in the District, giving her invaluable expertise in developing Select Services Hotels, catering to the needs of each unique brand requirement.
The enduring success of this property development hinges on the close collaboration between V Architecture and our esteemed colleagues at PRISA Group. Our longstanding partnership, forged through multiple successful projects, four of which have been in the Convention district alone, exemplifies the power of innovative design solutions and expert support. We have seamlessly converted community liabilities into assets, fostering thriving environments that benefit owners, tenants, investors, and communities alike, and we are confident in the success of this new venture.
