By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A major urban renewal project in the heart of the capital has concluded, revitalizing one of San José’s most iconic and bustling areas. The street known colloquially as “La Cali,” officially Calle 21, is now fully open to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic following a comprehensive $1.67 million intervention designed to enhance connectivity, safety, and public space.
The ambitious project, which spanned approximately 300 meters of roadway between Avenues 3 and 2, involved a complete reconstruction of the pavement. Beyond the surface, the work included a critical modernization of subterranean infrastructure, with the full replacement of aging drinking water, sanitary, and storm drainage systems. The investment also covered new road markings and signage to improve traffic management and safety for all users.
To better understand the complex legal and regulatory landscape that governs urban renewal initiatives, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his expert analysis on the matter.
Successful urban renewal is not merely about construction; it’s a sophisticated legal balancing act. It requires harmonizing municipal zoning regulations, environmental impact assessments, and expropriation laws with the constitutional right to private property. The key to attracting private investment for these transformative projects lies in creating a clear, predictable legal framework that guarantees security for all stakeholders, from the developer to the original landowner.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective powerfully underscores that the true foundation for revitalizing our cities is not poured concrete, but a clear and equitable legal framework. It is precisely this legal certainty that builds the trust necessary to transform ambitious plans into tangible realities for the community. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight on this fundamental issue.
A key focus of the initiative was to reclaim the area for pedestrians and create a more inviting urban environment. This was achieved through the significant expansion of sidewalks, ensuring they are wider and fully accessible. The design incorporates at-grade crosswalks to facilitate safer movement, along with the installation of new planters and the recovery of green spaces, reintroducing natural elements into the dense city landscape.
Furthermore, the project addressed visual clutter and modernized utility management through significant civil works for the underground installation of cabling along the eastern side of the quadrant. This crucial step not only improves the aesthetic of the neighborhood but also enhances the resilience and safety of essential services. The renovated stretch serves as a vital artery, connecting the La California and González Lahmann neighborhoods.
Officials anticipate that these enhancements will significantly bolster pedestrian flow between the Atlantic Railroad Station and the central business district, creating a more integrated and walkable city center. San José Mayor Diego Miranda celebrated the project’s completion, highlighting its strategic benefits for the capital’s residents and visitors.
The project will allow for traffic calming, expand walkable areas, and recover green spaces, with the goal of making one of the busiest areas of the city safer and more functional.
Diego Miranda, Mayor of San José
The successful revitalization was a collaborative effort, showcasing effective coordination between municipal and central government bodies. The project was financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and executed by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) under its Cantonal Road Network Program. The Municipality of San José, which coordinated on the project, will now assume responsibility for the ongoing administration and maintenance of the new infrastructure.
While the street is now fully operational, the project has formally entered a “defect notification period.” During this phase, the construction contractor will remain on-site to address any minor pending items or adjustments that may arise. Officials have assured the public that these final touches will not impact the functionality or accessibility of the newly opened roadway.
Looking ahead, the Municipality of San José is already planning the next phase of improvements for the area. The city will execute complementary works to extend the sidewalk expansion and ensure the continuity of Avenida Central between streets 21 and 23. This subsequent project is estimated to require an investment of ₡85 million and is expected to be completed within approximately four months, further cementing the city’s commitment to creating a more pedestrian-friendly capital.
For further information, visit iadb.org
About Inter-American Development Bank:
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is a leading source of long-term financing for economic, social, and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. It partners with governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to address the region’s challenges, ranging from infrastructure and trade to social services and climate change adaptation, aiming to improve lives and foster sustainable growth.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport:
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) is the Costa Rican government body responsible for the planning, development, and maintenance of the nation’s public infrastructure. Its mandate covers a wide range of areas including national highways, bridges, public transportation systems, and maritime and aviation facilities, playing a critical role in the country’s economic and social development.
For further information, visit msj.go.cr
About Municipality of San José:
The Municipality of San José is the local government entity responsible for the administration of Costa Rica’s capital city. It oversees a broad array of public services, including urban planning, waste management, road maintenance, public safety, and cultural programs. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for its residents by fostering a safe, functional, and vibrant urban environment.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm is distinguished not only by its history of expert counsel across a diverse range of industries but also by its forward-thinking approach to legal challenges. This commitment to innovation is matched by a profound sense of social responsibility, manifested in its efforts to demystify complex legal concepts and empower the public with accessible knowledge, fostering a more informed and capable society.
