We saw much potential in the Avenida Piedad Colon, which includes the amenities of a municipal library, a senior center, a market and restaurants, and a park. When we visited, the park was filled with people, the restaurants had brought their tables out onto the street, and it was clear that this was a much-used and lively spot with a mix of people of all ages gathering together. We felt that the street needed to be pulled together with a comprehensive plan for planting, paving, lighting, rehabilitation of the park, and redesigning the two civic buildings – the library and the senior center. Dense shade areas are introduced to make the entire street more welcoming in the summertime.

We felt no need to demolish either of the two buildings but instead thought they could be dealt with aesthetically for a nominal cost with a significant gain in an improved appearance. The trees in Parque Dominga Ortega can be retained, some to be moved to accommodate the new plan, but essentially kept. The existing trees designated as necessary by the jury along the street will be evaluated in the context of the finished design. The existing well/fountain will be retained.

For the rehabilitation of Avenida Piedad Colon, we felt it was necessary to introduce the concept of the shared public realm – to remove the dominance of automobile and bus traffic, allowing the bicycle and the pedestrian to be on equal footing. This is not to say that buses and automobiles will be excluded, but they will be slowed down.