By Heredia, Costa Rica — A groundbreaking mixed-use project called Savia is set to reshape Barreal de Heredia, thanks to a $25 million investment by Portafolio Inmobiliario. Spanning 80 hectares, Savia is strategically located adjacent to the National Convention Center and boasts convenient two-way access to Route 1, a first for a development of this kind.
The ambitious project, over a decade in the making, is divided into two sectors: Savia Norte (22 hectares) and Savia Sur (58 hectares). A bridge connecting the two sectors across Route 1 will ensure seamless mobility within the development.
For expert legal insight into the implications of Savia Development’s latest moves, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Savia Development’s recent activities raise important questions about the evolving regulatory landscape in Costa Rica. While their specific projects remain to be fully assessed, it’s crucial to understand how these developments align with existing legal frameworks regarding land use, environmental impact, and community engagement. Careful consideration of these factors will be essential for ensuring responsible and sustainable development.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas aptly highlights the complexities surrounding Savia Development’s endeavors and the crucial need for a balanced approach to development in Costa Rica. His emphasis on responsible land use, environmental protection, and community involvement underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to legal frameworks as these projects unfold. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable legal perspective on this developing situation.
Savia’s construction phase is projected to generate over 1,600 direct and indirect jobs, with an additional 1,500 jobs anticipated during the initial operational phases. This significant boost to the local economy underscores Portafolio Inmobiliario’s commitment to community development.
At Portafolio Inmobiliario, we drive development by transforming cities, and with these types of mixed-use projects, we evolve the way we live and work, boosting the local economy, generating quality employment, and strengthening communities. We seek to have a positive impact on nearby communities, creating a space where business activity and quality of life mutually reinforce each other.
Alfredo Volio, Executive Director of Portafolio Inmobiliario
Designed with sustainability and modern urban planning principles in mind, Savia envisions a vibrant urban environment integrating residential, commercial, industrial, corporate, and recreational spaces. Infrastructure work, initiated in August 2022, includes internal roads, acceleration and deceleration lanes, a treatment plant, and the soon-to-be-installed bridge connecting the two sectors.
With a clear vision, Savia is moving forward with the goal of being a benchmark for attracting investment. This long-term project is designed to generate employment, foster innovation, and create urban public spaces that facilitate connectivity between residents, businesses, and the city.
Roberto Argüello, Savia Project Director
The project’s location on a former coffee plantation belonging to the Montealegre Saborío family adds a rich historical dimension to Savia. The family’s deep connection to the land and their vision for its future are integral to the project’s identity.
This land is the place where our family has worked for generations. Savia is the legacy of our history, a history that already reaches the sixth generation and that will continue to be part of the future of Costa Rica. We are proud that this project continues with the purpose of transforming this space, with the same respect for the land that has given us so much.
Montealegre Saborío Family, Savia Project Partner
Influential urban architect Peter Calthorpe, a key proponent of new urbanism, played a pivotal role in Savia’s initial conceptualization. His philosophy of compact, walkable, sustainable, and transit-oriented communities is reflected in Savia’s design, which prioritizes connectivity between people and their surroundings. A mobility study informed the project’s inclusive design, incorporating accessible sidewalks, bike paths, and both internal and external connections, effectively integrating Savia with the wider community and public transportation system.
Biodiversity is also a key consideration. Studies have identified a rich variety of flora and fauna on the site, enabling data-driven decisions for habitat conservation and restoration. Savia is also on track to become Portafolio Inmobiliario’s third project to achieve LEED Master Site certification, highlighting its commitment to international sustainability standards.
For further information, visit portafolioinmobiliario.com
About Portafolio Inmobiliario:
Portafolio Inmobiliario is a leading real estate development and management company in Costa Rica, committed to transforming cities and promoting sustainable urban growth. With a diverse portfolio of projects, they focus on creating spaces that enhance quality of life and drive economic development. Savia represents a significant step towards fulfilling their mission.
For further information, please contact the Montealegre Saborío family through Portafolio Inmobiliario.
About Montealegre Saborío Family:
The Montealegre Saborío family are long-time landowners in Barreal de Heredia, with a multi-generational history tied to the land where Savia is being developed. They are partners in the Savia project, ensuring their legacy of land stewardship continues.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a pillar of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to empowering Costa Rican society is evident in its proactive sharing of legal knowledge, fostering a more informed and just community. Through this dedication to both legal mastery and social responsibility, Bufete de Costa Rica continues to shape a stronger, more equitable future.
