Paseo Atocha: Difference between revisions
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Despite the modifications undergone by many of the buildings along this stretch of Atocha Street throughout the years, some continue to preserve some of the designs characteristics of Ponce’s traditional architecture. Others, which never underwent any modifications are starting to taken on their old traditional character of bygone years. |
Despite the modifications undergone by many of the buildings along this stretch of Atocha Street throughout the years, some continue to preserve some of the designs characteristics of Ponce’s traditional architecture. Others, which never underwent any modifications are starting to taken on their old traditional character of bygone years. |
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In 1991, as part of the Ponce en Marcha (Ponce |
In 1991, as part of the Ponce en Marcha (Ponce On teh Move) plan the government of the [[Ponce, Puerto Rico|Municipality of Ponce]] closed the street to vehicular traffic and converted into a promenade.<ref>[http://www.ponceweb.org/paseo_atocha.html History]</ref><ref>[http://www.letsgotoponce.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=185&Itemid=81 Closed in 1991]</ref> |
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==Uses== |
==Uses== |
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Revision as of 22:05, 5 May 2010
Paseo Atocha is a pedestrian mall in Ponce’s historic district that for centuries used to be a street opened to motor vehicles.[1] The street, which is now closed to motor vehicle traffic, stretches over four blocks from Isabel Street to Vives Street. Both an active and a peaceful promenade, it is visited annually by thousands of people and is considered one of the city’s places of interest.[2]
History
Since the beginning of the twentieth century, Atocha Street was the main commercial artery in Ponce.[3] Despite the modifications undergone by many of the buildings along this stretch of Atocha Street throughout the years, some continue to preserve some of the designs characteristics of Ponce’s traditional architecture. Others, which never underwent any modifications are starting to taken on their old traditional character of bygone years.
In 1991, as part of the Ponce en Marcha (Ponce On teh Move) plan the government of the Municipality of Ponce closed the street to vehicular traffic and converted into a promenade.[4][5]
Uses
During the day, and especially on Saturdays, the street gets crowded with shoppers, both from Ponce as well as from surrounding towns. In the evenings and on Sundays the street becomes as peaceful and relaxing place. There are some benches along the mall, and it is a good place to stop, take a rest, and do some people watching.[6] Sunday nights, Atocha turns into a calm place, and sometimes serves as a gathering place for cultural activities.[7]
Shopping Experience
The Promenade is a lively place, and shoppers can find almost anything they need here. There are many clothing, jewelry, electronics, souvenir, etc., stores and restaurants. Many merchants have booths or racks along the Paseo. Most of the stores have discounted merchandise.[8] Police are stationed at every block along the Paseo, making the promenade quite safe.[9]
Future plans
In an attempt to make the downtown area more friendly to tourists and businesses, the City plans to install a reinforced crystal ceiling and air-conditioning system over the Paseo. Construction is planned to begin in 2009.[10] The idea was something the city had been toying around with for the last two decades. It is expected to cost $5 million USD.[11] The glass ceiling is expected to make Ponce’s Historic District more attractive to vacationers and locals alike. At the same time, officials hope that it will draw new people to the area, allowing businesses to extend their hours of operation, and thereby boosting the downtown economy and stimulating nightlife.[12]
References