PROJECT Ponce Paradise Framework Plan
ARCHITECT Winstanley Architects & Planners
LOCATION  Ponce, Puerto Rico US

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  7/22/2020
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM  Michael Winstanley AIA, Leejung Hong LEED AP, George Eisenberger AIA
OWNER/CLIENT AG&T / Adam Greenfader
CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER  
PHOTOGRAPHER  Lifang
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT LandDesign
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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
Ponce Paradise is a concept in self-sufficient sustainable and resilient mixed-use development. The main goal for this project is the integration of social, economic and environmental best practices into a single livable, vibrant, accessible, equitable and resilient mixed use development.

Ponce Paradise is an 821-acre development site on Caleta de Cabullones on the southern coast of Puerto Rico. The site has excellent access. It straddles Expreso Luis A. Ferre highway (52) southeast of downtown Ponce. It is directly south of Mercedita International Airport. And to the west is adjacent to Port de Ponce. Its immediate beachfront neighbor to the west is the Costa Caribe Country Club and the Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort, and to the east, agricultural and forested land.

Ponce Paradise represents a new paradigm in mixed-use development proposals by capitalizing on the natural beauty and restful nature of the Ponce environment. The plan is comprised of essentially four elements supporting each other and all connected through a new canal carved into the site and connecting the ocean with the inland canals.
The project is organized in four parts: (1) Town Center / University Medical Center, (2) Wellness Community, (3) Hotel Lagoon and Recreation, and (4) Farm to Table Agriculture and Micro-Grid.

In consideration of the susceptibility of flooding in this area, the design is centered around two diaphragmatic basins called lagoons connected via a new canal for both recreation and transportation. The spoils of the lagoons would be placed on the edges to build up the land to prevent further flooding. The basins are designed to work as diaphragms taking in water and releasing water as appropriate to prevent flooding from both heavy storms or extreme tides.

JURY COMMENTS (If applicable)

“Ponce was hit hard by the recent earthquake. The community is unique and anchors a strong Puerto Rican identity. This masterful master plan is impressive with the multitude of distinctive settings and urban fabric that showcase emerging lifestyles within a coastal setting. There were clear qualities of how the architecture, urban design, landscape architecture blend. We really thought that the integration of waterways and other elements provide a fun place to live, work, and play. This plan builds upon the placemaking principles of the surrounding community.” –Anson Stuart