Town Planning

Cayalá

The new city of Cayala was conceived during a weeklong charrette in 2003. The charrette was led by world renowned architect Leon Krier and the local firm of Estudio Urbano. The solution was a new paradigm for development in Central America. A local family held a large parcel of land within the city boundaries and needed a long-term vision and business model for the creation of family legacy. Cayala is a mixed-use city, which includes major retail and restaurants along the paseo, as well as small shoppes, bakeries and even a movie theater. Residents in Cayala are a short walk from cafes , schools, offices and the first cathedral built in the last 100 years in Guatemala.

Amatique - Mayan Jungle Resort

Mayan Jungle resort, marina and golf communities is a master planned project on the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, in Amatiquebay. The upper neighborhood is located in a mature tropical forest. Great care was used to preserve the existing topography and trees. The community is surrounded by a world class golf course. The lower community is on the infamous Amatique Bay, a proven hurricane hole and protection for yachts during the hurricane season. Working with biologists and hydrological engineers, Estudio urbano created a series of canals which help the ecosystem and wetlands breath with the tide. Water front homes and a world class Marina will give the new community access to fishing, sailing, and diving.

Plaza Magdalena, Cobán

Estudio urbano was retained to examine current conditions of the successful retail center of of Plaza Magdalena in the city of Coban ,Guatemala. Plaza Magdalena is a successful regional mall with incredible growth potential. We integrated a new partner opposite the Cahabon River to include hotel , multifamily and single family into the master plan. The food court of the mall was modified to include an area fronting the river. The growth of the retail area included walkable streets , outdoor venues, and a Riverwalk.

Condado Los Alejos, Xela

Condado Los Altos is a master plan for a special client who wishes to create a unique project in Quetzaltenango using traditional city planning and innovative housing solutions. Los Altos is a new neighborhood in Olintepeque, defined by a hierarchy of streets and plazas, with a mix of uses and housing solutions including single family residential as well as multi family. Within a short walk the resident will have access to daily necessities such as small shops, civic buildings, schools, churches, and even office space.

Palm Reef, Belize

Palm reef is a new mixed use neighborhood just north of the Caribbean town of Placentia in Belize, Central America. The project has 2 fronts, one on the Caribbean seaand the other facing the lagoon and giving refuge to yachts and other water craft. The masterplan has 3 neighborhoods, one on the beach side, and 2 on the lagoon. The lagoon neighborhoods include a residential more gardenesque single family developmentand a more urban area situated around a marina with mixed use areas including shoppes and restaurants. This development with be marketed towards Americans and Canadiens as a vacation resort to escape the cold during the winter. Eventually this Palm Reef will become inhabited year round and become a thriving community.