Las Catalinas has undergone significant evolution since our story began in 2006. Let's look back at the vibrant community's timeline, which revolves around the central theme of a balanced lifestyle. The harmonious blending of health, sustainability, fun, work, and fulfillment is made possible by thoughtful urban planning.
The acquisition of the initial 1200 acres of land for Las Catalinas marked the beginning, displaying a wildly picturesque yet ecologically unwell landscape. Faced with obstacles like a weakened ecosystem, sparsely forested areas, and threats from factors such as pastureland use and poaching, the challenges were substantial. However, the subsequent decade witnessed a remarkable transformation of green spaces, as collaborative conservation efforts within the community effectively revitalized and rejuvenated the tropical dry forest.
With the approval of the design plan in 2009, Las Catalinas started a journey of thoughtful development that prioritizes respect for the natural world. Rooted in the principles of new urbanism, the vision advocates for high-density construction within a limited area, allocating just 20% of the town's total land for residences or commercial spaces. The compact and walkable design ensures a car-free environment, reflecting an integrated approach aimed at enhancing community well-being and preserving the surrounding environment.
In 2011, Las Catalinas achieved a significant milestone with the completion and opening of seven homes, a beachfront restaurant, and the enduring outdoor outfitting store, Pura Vida Ride. This marked the inception of the community of Las Catalinas, and the Beach Town neighborhood. Pura Vida Ride's oceanfront rocking chairs quickly became the preferred social spot for enjoying exceptional morning coffee. This timeframe reflects a distinctive era in Las Catalinas, with a dirt road leading into town, much of the forested areas undergoing recovery from pastureland use, and the community still in its preliminary stages of development.
From 2012 to 2015, Las Catalinas completed twelve single-family homes, fifteen flats, and the establishment of the Beach Club. Amidst this dynamic period, new services continued to formally emerge to enhance town's functionality, including innovative offerings like Housemoms and the Las Catalinas’ Rental Program. This period marked the initial realization of the vision, as Las Catalinas took its first big steps into a vibrant reality.
During this period, Las Catalinas experienced a notable expansion, with the completion of a forty-five-room hotel, Santarena, a variety of restaurants concentrated in Plaza Mercado, twenty-nine single-family homes, twenty flats, and fifteen commercial spaces. This comprehensive development transformed town into a fully equipped destination, offering a diverse range of amenities and residences to meet various needs.
A new project for Las Catalinas commences welcoming new members who are transitioning into homeownership within El Prado. continuing towns’ continued growth.
After ten years, Beach Town constructions have finalized. El Prado, the neighborhood across the street from Beach Town, begins its infrastructure stage, with things like the electrical installation, the wastewater treatment plant, and a water system that encourages the conservation of the aquifer recharge zone.
Following meticulous planning over time, El Prado has come to fruition, with its infrastructure reaching completion in October 2023, with its first residents moving in December 2023.
In a mere two years, El Prado has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a neighborhood in progress. The completion of the vertical construction of Terraced Flats in 2023 marks a milestone as the first completed homes in Las Catalinas, with twenty-two flats and one single-family home completed. Montaña Flats and Lantana Residence are now for sale.
The imminent completion of Parque Central promises to bring more recreational areas to town, enhancing the community atmosphere with tennis, soccer, a jogging track, and more.
In 2024, Las Catalinas will enter a new phase with the groundbreaking construction of La Rambla—a sprawling 6300 m2 development comprising five buildings. Envisioned to house businesses, offices, and rental residences, this addition is strategically located just a three-minute walk from Playa Danta and the bustling commercial hub, Plaza Mercado. Construction is almost ready to gear up, and we eagerly anticipate the arrival of new members to this flourishing town.
Stay tuned for even more exciting updates as we continue to shape town’s future. For those looking for more information on Lantana Residences or Montaña Flats that are now available for sale in El Prado, contact our Residential Sales Team here.