La Casa
Santurce, PR 2019

La Casa

An Abandoned Building Transformed

177,500 ft2 (16,500 m2)

A 13-story abandoned building in the heart of Santurce’s central district has been transformed into a vibrant, modern residence offering 151 apartment units designed for independent senior living, along with commercial space on the ground and second floors, and a new parking structure. Originally built between 1952 and 1954, this property is located across from Stop 22 in Santurce, near the intersection of Ponce de León and De Diego Avenues, adjacent to the Ciudadela mixed-use development. Initially serving as housing for seniors with commercial areas on the first two floors, the building was converted to office use in the 1980s and subsequently vacated in the 1990s.

The goal of this project was to provide affordable, modern accommodations tailored to the needs of independent seniors, fostering an environment conducive to healthy aging.

The property’s main pedestrian entrance is on Ponce de León Avenue, with an internal plaza connecting to Ciudadela’s plaza, and additional parking accessible from Antonsanti Street to the north. Surrounded by cafés, restaurants, theaters, bookstores, and other urban amenities within walking distance, the development provides an ideal setting for its elderly residents to live actively and independently in the heart of the city.

Architectural Team
Gabriel Cruz, Miguel Angel Lage
Structural Engineering
Fernando Cortés & Associates
Electrical Engineering
Juan R Requena & Asociados Ingenieros C.S.P.
Mechanical Engineering
José Luis García, PE / Jorge Torres Scandali
Contractor
Bayside Group, LLC
Client
Stop 22 Holdings, LLC