Friday December 29, 2023.

2023 Town Growth Report for Las Catalinas, A Blossoming Hub 

Welcome to the Town Growth Report for 2023, exploring the significant, yet thoughtful expansion of Las Catalinas. This picturesque town has experienced substantial growth, not only in the number of homes but also in the array of services, restaurants, and businesses that now cater to those who live in and visit town. Join us on a journey through a year in the design and construction of Las Catalinas. 

January  

At the beginning of last year, the north end of Main Street in Beach Town had rapidly taken shape, with the homes around Plaza Papaya nearing completion, and the street wall along the north end of Main Street showcasing impressive progress. The tower of 5 Paseo Miraflores stood prominently, providing a welcoming sight from every approach. Meanwhile, the construction of the soccer field made significant headway, with its 30x60-meter layout promising to be an ideal venue for soccer matches. Beach Town approached completion, with 154 residences fully realized, reaching an impressive 96% of the anticipated total. In El Prado, a notable milestone was achieved, with 86 single-family lots sold, 6 reserved, and only 18 remaining. The completed constructions included the highly sought-after Terrace Flats, where 21 out of 22 units found buyers. Additionally, the sale of Lantana Residences was underway, with one unit sold and two under reservation. 

February 

Drawing a comparison between town in February 2023 and six years prior reveals an astounding trajectory of thoughtful growth as illustrated in the comparative photos below. Back then, the south edge of Beach Town was limited to the Beach Club and two homes. As of February 2023, it was completed. The north edge, once home to just the initial container offices, was a month away from full completion at this point in the year. Anticipating further progress, we will observe the same evolving landscape for the El Prado development over the next six years.  

March  

March marked the culmination of the remaining homes in Beach Town North. The delivery of 5 Paseo Miraflores and 6 Paseo Miraflores has enriched the neighborhood and they beautifully frame Plaza Papaya, accentuated by a central reflecting pool and plantings adding touches of shade and freshness.  4 Paseo Miraflores was slated for full delivery in April. Along the beachfront, Plaza Iguanas proudly showcased its new turf in the newly operational Swing Garden. It served as a temporary place for play, bridging the gap until the completion of Central Park in El Prado.  

April  

The beachfront Swing Gardens have been enhanced with planted foliage, ensuring shade over the play structure. Progress in Central Park and Prado infrastructure has proceeded as scheduled, with retention ponds now established between the playing field and tennis courts. A pivotal phase in town infrastructure, the wastewater treatment plant, is currently underway. The construction of the Terraced Flats offers a glimpse into the future ambiance of Main Street, and the containment structure creates an inviting entry to the heart of town. April's town projects included breaking ground on the soccer fields and tennis courts. Lantana Residence now has walking trails for residents to enjoy the view, with construction set to commence soon. 

May  

In May, construction commenced on the inaugural home in El Prado, marked by the three-bedroom residence at 33 Paseo del Parque, artfully designed by Castillo Arquitectos. Positioned along Paseo del Parque, this home boasts a welcoming entry porch, embodying a theme of understated elegance along the park front. 

The completion of Beach Town's public realm is a significant achievement. Notable additions to the town's array of public spaces include Plaza Papaya, Paseo San Miguel, Plaza Chiquita, Paseo Sol, the final phase of Paseo Palmeras, and expansions to Plaza del Mercado. 

Exciting developments are in progress at Plaza Iguanas, which will soon be home to the new restaurant Tamaki, expected to be ready for patrons in August. The ongoing construction of the structure facing Pots and Bowls on Plaza del Mercado is underway, guided by Taller Ken's design, which maximizes views to both the plaza and the ocean, featuring a central serving bar and wrap-around benches. 

As we reach the midpoint of the year, most road construction projects are near completion: Ruta del Llano at 96%, Avenidas los Altos at 96%, Calle del Prado at 95%, Calle Ladera at 96%, and Camino de los Montes at 94%. 

El Prado's infrastructure progress remains on track for timely completion. The installation of utility systems beneath the road has progressed to over 95%, and the containment structure for the wastewater treatment plant has been successfully completed, undergoing testing to ensure a secure seal before the installation of equipment. 

June 

June is a favorable season for planting, with increasing rainfall in the Guanacaste region. Planting efforts have adorned Paseo Sol to 4 Paseo Punta Penca, and the greenery extends along Paseo Sol leading up to Plaza Sol. 

Significant progress marks the construction landscape, with 17 Paseo Punta Penca now in a dried-in state, and the Terrace Flats facade taking shape along the street. 

El Prado Infrastructure reports highlight substantial achievements in June. The overall completion of roads stands at 82%, while portable water tanks, earth movement, and civil work have reached 70% completion. Progress in Central Park, including earth movements and systems, is at 90%, and the wastewater treatment plant's earth movement and system have reached an 80% completion milestone. 

Tomorrow, we will delve into the remaining phases of this year's design and construction timeline for Las Catalinas. Stay tuned for an end-of-year recap on the continued growth and development of town.