Jan

26

What’s Being Built on Main St?

January 26, 2008 | Tags: Community News, Local Business News | Leave a Comment

Calle Principal Building Site
Construction site on Calle Principal

Anyone who’s been down Calle Principal in Puerto Viejo over the last few months has seen the large construction site where Chili Rojo used to be located. Perhaps you’ve been wondering what this large new space will be and how it will fit into our community?

Sources tell us it’s a “mini-mall” type of project planned by owner Chris Whitman. Of course, this being Puerto Viejo it won’t be a 7-11 and a gas station but small local businesses who want to expand and get new modern spaces to work in. The project is also said to be planning a large inner courtyard with many plants and perhaps some sort of water feature.

The biggest tenant will be Chili Rojo who will move back into the space when it was done with a huge new 300+ square meter restaurant on the 2nd floor. On the ground floor, plans are for 8 stores around the courtyard. We’ve heard that Chili Rojo owner Andrew is also planning a premium style coffee shop on the main floor with espresso machine and no doubt lots of tasty treats.  Exploradores is also planning to move into the space with a new booking office for their rafting and other trips. So is Luna de Febrero which will sell souvenirs out of the site. An art gallery, another souvenir shop, a spa with massage and perhaps a bodega may round out the offerings that will be in place.

The site also has a parking area over by Cabinas Grant for customers of the merchants.

The site is being built by local contractor Tony, who also built Hotel Banana Azul as well as 37 houses at last count!

Best guesses for opening? Well estimates we’ve heard have ranged from May to September.