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As part of his commitment to economic development and revitalization of the urban center, San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo on Thursday inaugurated the first San Juan Pop-up on Paseo de Diego in Río Piedras.
The innovative project seeks to boost local commerce, foster creativity, and offer new opportunities to small business owners by installing temporary stores in a high-traffic pedestrian space.
“Pop-up San Juan is a pilot project that promotes the economic and cultural revitalization of our Capital City.” the mayor said. “Not only does it promote community commerce in a sustainable way, but it also strengthens the vibrant identity of the urban center of Río Piedras.”
“With this initiative, we seek to promote Paseo de Diego, create spaces that celebrate the creativity and talent of San Juan, and connect this commercial area with residents and visitors from around the world,” Romero added.
The San Juan Pop-up will operate for an initial period of six months, free of charge for the selected entrepreneurs, with the aim that, at the end of that period, they can establish themselves permanently in their new location.
Daphne Barbeito, director of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism of San Juan, said Pop-up San Juan has the potential to expand to other sectors of the capital.
“At the Municipality, we are continuously working on projects that promote the economic, cultural and social development of our community,” she said. “Pop-up San Juan is the result of strategic alliances, such as the one established with Bloomberg Associates, an international philanthropic organization that has been key in the design and implementation of this concept. Through innovative initiatives such as this, we continue to fulfill our commitment to transform San Juan into a dynamic, attractive and prosperous destination for all.”
The participants in the first edition of the initiative were chosen through an open call on Aug. 2, 2024. They include Ural Studio, Ron Artesano, T Love Cup, Mikeyla Jerian Art, and Believe by Martiza.
