Plazuela de Iloilo: Gateway to Iloilo’s Progress and Urban Facelift
Dr. Rogelio Florete Sr. of Florete Land Inc. with Architect Felino Palafox Jr.Ilonggo’s pride and visionaire Dr. Rogelio Florete Sr has once again set his eyes to his beloved city when he commissioned the internationally renowned urban planner and designer Palafox and Associate to come with a design for his proposed commercial project located at Benigno Aquino Ave. (adjacent to SM City Iloilo) that will showcase the cultural and heritage architecture of Iloilo during the late 1800’s when it was considered as the Queen City of the South. This commercial center named Plazuela de Iloilo is expected to open in October 10, 2010 exactly 11 months to completion, a record breaking time for such a huge edifice.
Groundbreaking Ceremony with the family of Dr. Rogelio Florete Sr. and members of the Construction Team.Last November 10, 2009 the official groundbreaking was attended by Dr. Rogelio Florete Sr. and his family – wife Imelda, children Roger Jr. and Mayette. Also present were Palafox & Associates headed by Archictect Felino Palafox Jr, Archictects Francis Villagonzalo and Lito de Jesus, Engr. Arthur Lazaro; Art Builder’s Construction Inc.’s President Mr. Arthur Atienza; Amalgated Management Services, Inc. represented by Engrs. Ronie Anres and Fred Cruz; Members and Officers of the Florete Group, namely, Mr. Dante Javellana, Mr. Rico Jacomille and Mr. Warren French–Area Manager of Bombo Radyo Visayas. Also in attendance during the ceremony were the members of the press and Bombo Radyo personnel.
Plazuela de Iloilo
Being the country’s festival capital and a fast growing economic pillar, the city has become a potential commercial hub with diverse activities for the local or foreign visitor to consider as a new destination. Armed with highly-skilled manpower, an effective coastal and enviromental management program and a new Iloilo Airport, the province is undergoing a gradual urban facelift in which Plazuela de Iloilo becomes a defining link from the old Hispanic town to a progressive yet solicits cultural awareness. To strengthen the diverse character of festivities in Iloilo the whole year round, the mixed use development project will employ a pool of fresh but relevant concepts from the usual Spanish to the Italian-European Styles easing its way to the Iloilo landscpe and blending in with the local fashion.
With a lot area of 12,533 sq. mts. and a strategic location along the Benigno Aquino Ave. the development’s architectural character is inspired from the Spanish-Italian design. Long arcaded hallways adorn the facade which gives people the freedom to walk and promenade to their heart’s desire. Envisioned as “flood free” the whole development is elevated 2.05 meters from the street level. Upon entering the rotunda, 36 leasable ares composed of retail stores, coffee shops and restaurants totaling to almost 8,700 sq mts of gross floor area greet the al fresco and shopping enthusiasts. Colors such as beige, ochre yellow, peach and white are used profusely on the building’s intricate facade to create an interesting and dynamic family of structure composed of 3 main buildings, an Administration Office and a Concert stage located along Calle Florete. Pedestrian promenade are situated in between buildings for better pedestrian movement and wind across ventilation.
Plazuela de Iloilo has ample parking space which can accommodate over 100 cars for its clients and locators. Going up the second floor, 2 business processing offices (BPOs) emerge as the main tenants. This mixture of commercial and BPO units ensure that the structure is operating 24/7 and security, as well as profit is in constant circulation.
With the emergence of Iloilo as a competitive venue for trade and tourism, the future of the province looks bright as ever. And with structures such as the Plazuela de Iloilo (thanks to the vision of Dr. Rogelio Florete Sr.) mixed use commercial development, potential of a world class state is now within reach.
