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Garapan pedestrian mall on track
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Posted on May 22 2004
The multi-million Pedestrian Mall project in Garapan would be completed on time, with workers now beginning Phase 2 of the project, Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente said.
Benavente said the project, which is estimated to cost $4 million, will be completed by June 31, in time for the Liberation Day celebration in July. He said the project is right on schedule and has been progressing on time.
“The project would be completed by the end of June and the workers are now on its phase 2. We hope to see it completed,” said Benavente in an interview.
The project, which began in December 2003, is part of the Garapan Revitalization Project, which is aimed at transforming the image of the hotel district into a family-oriented place that tourists can frequent.
The Strategic Economic Development Council first floated the idea of renovating the Garapan area in the late 1990’s as part of its tourist-related beautification program.
The mall project was awarded to Maeda Pacific Corp., which promised to complete the work in nine months. Maeda general manager Tom Nielsen said that actual construction began on Jan. 13 this year.
The mall project is the third phase of the approximately $25-milion Garapan revitalization project. The Promenade project, which covers the 3rd Street or Hotel Street, includes the setting up of a lighting system, drinking fountains, covered shelters, and public toilets.
The Revitalization Project aims to transform the downtown Garapan area into an attractive and safe focal point for tourist and resident activities, including strolling, outdoor dining, outdoor musical entertainment, and festivities.
The government said this project would generate at least $200 million in revenue for the government within the four-year period of the revitalization.
