Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Puerto Vallarta is beginning to see and enjoy the results of the urban renewal plan that it has been subjected to over the past seven years. The underground wiring and renovation of the streets are works that might have passed unnoticed, unlike the Malecón renovation, which is very evident.

Puerto Vallarta Malecón

But the Malecón renovation is just part of the comprehensive project that was the brainchild of architect Leonardo Diaz-Borioli of Studio 3.14, which includes improvements to a 3 linear kilometers beachfront area of approximately 92 acres that ranges from Playa de Los Muertos in Colonia Emiliano Zapata to the port's hotel zone in Colonia 5 de Diciembre.

In an interview last February, Diaz-Borioli reported that the project has been headed up by several entities. "The State Government, with local governments during the past three administrations, led the charge by putting an incredible amount of money into burying overhead wires and repairing walls in the city's center, and we passed the baton for a while. So, what started out as a couple of years of work since there were federal funds to repair the sea wall after Hurricane Kenna left severe damage in 2002, the project gained further strength in 2009 and became a comprehensive urban renewal that will benefit Vallarta locals and visitors."

Rio Cuale pedestrian bridge

The reconstructed, revamped, and expanded Malecón is at the heart of the city's renascence. This pedestrian-friendly, traffic-free boulevard is by far Puerto Vallarta's most popular tourist attraction, but only part of the overall project.

One of the biggest concerns for business owners in the downtown area was that visitors would spend all of their time on the Malecón and never see the rest of the city. This gave rise to another project, called 'The Renascence of El Centro,' designed to generate foot traffic between the boardwalk and some of the city's other prominent landmarks and tourist attractions.

Malecón II repairs

So the work moved on to other areas of downtown, where sidewalks were widened to five meters to improve the flow of foot traffic from the Malecón's Plaza de los Pescadores to Hidalgo Park and all the way to Hotel Rosita. These improvements also make it easier for locals and visitors to discover all of the wonderful shops and restaurants along the side streets in El Centro.

And to bring more pedestrians to the city's south side, improvements are currently being made to the walkways on the Malecón II extension and bridge, which take you from Avenida Mexico all the way to the new Los Muertos Pier, (which is nearly complete,) and on to the city's famed Zona Romantica and Olas Altas neighborhoods.

Los Muertos Pier

At a Glance

Projects that have been, or are about to be, completed include the construction of the new Los Muertos pier, the funicular and tram at Olas Altas, improvements and a new pedestrian bridge on the Rio Cuale Island that connects Colonia Cerro to the city center, the expansion of sidewalks in the Romantic Zone, the regeneration of Avenida Mexico and the Theater District, and the construction of a second tunnel to ease traffic during rush hour.

Perhaps the most highly anticipated project on the horizon is the new modern art gallery to be housed at the current city hall in the heart of the historic center. This will be just another jewel in the crown of Puerto Vallarta's transformation, which aims to enhance the image and competitiveness of our city as a global vacation destination that simultaneously offers tranquility - due to its location between the Pacific Ocean and mountains - and its bustling cultural scene.