MORE PHOTO UPDATES: ILOILO City -- The turn of the 19th century was virtually Iloilo City's finest moment when this "la muy leal y noble ciudad de Iloilo (the most loyal and noble city of Iloilo)" ruled supreme over its counterparts in southern Philippines with a vigorous economy and a bustling trade and commerce that reached as far as Continental Europe.
Today, more than a century later, this glory of eras past has worn frayed at the seams and gone faded and crumbling in some parts. In recent years, there have been repeated calls by the city leadership to the business community to help recapture that glory. But most of the responses were rather timid, half-hearted, if not plain lip-service.
Today, more than a century later, this glory of eras past has worn frayed at the seams and gone faded and crumbling in some parts. In recent years, there have been repeated calls by the city leadership to the business community to help recapture that glory. But most of the responses were rather timid, half-hearted, if not plain lip-service. But not from Dr. Rogelio M. Florete. The former retailer, who parlayed his business savvy into establishing an extensive and influential radio broadcast empire as well as a fast-growing banking enterprise, has turned to real estate development with an eye towards helping Iloilo City recapture its former glory and inject vigor into the city's economy.
Last week, Florete Land, Inc. broke ground on a mixed use commercial complex project along the Ninoy Aquino Avenue (aka Diversion Road) beside SM City. Designed by internationally-renowned architect Jun Palafox, the 12,533-square meter property will host a multi-level family of structures composed of three main buildings which will house retail stores, coffee shops, restaurants, a concert stage, and enough space for Business Process Outsourcing (Call Centers) and other locators.
Dr. Florete said the mall will open to the public next year on 10-10-10, meaning October 10, 2010.True to its name, the Plazuela de Iloilo (as the complex will be called) will feature long arcaded hallways and pedestrian promenades that will cater to the Ilonggos’ penchant for leisure and recreation.The entire complex will be virtually flood proof as it will sit on an elevation of 2.05 meters above street level. It will have ample parking space that can accommodate over 100 cars and will be the first mall in Iloilo to open and operate 24/7. Read More
Plazuela de Iloilo's floor plans: Ground floor (above) and second floor (below).
Florete’s Plazuela de Iloilo recaptures Iloilo’s old gloryNews article courtesy of PanayNews
Images courtesy of PalafoxPhoto updates courtesy of Drafkn and Lewdsaint of Skyscrapercity Forum
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