A Transformative Revitalization: The El Taíno Modernization Project

Location: Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico

Project Overview / The Challenge:

For nearly 40 years, the El Taíno residential complex, owned by the Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration, had not undergone significant remodeling. This lack of modernization severely impacted the community and residents' quality of life. The challenge, funded by HUD, was to revitalize the complex through meticulous planning and innovative design, all within a tight budget.

Our Approach / The PIERI Solution:

Our approach focuses on a comprehensive modernization program designed to enhance the community dramatically and improve residents' quality of life. Through detailed planning and innovative design strategies, we are addressing critical infrastructure, accessibility, community spaces, and individual residential unit standards. This includes a commitment to health and safety by removing hazardous materials.

Key Design Features / Innovations:

• Enhanced Infrastructure & Resilience: Underground electrical and telecom lines for durability and aesthetics, stainless steel NEMA 4 transformers for saline environments, complete rewiring to meet current codes, removal of lead-based paint and asbestos, and new remote-readable electric meters.
• Accessible & Beautiful Outdoor Spaces: Replacement of streets and sidewalks with accessible routes, strategic additional parking, correction of runoff and ponding issues, new planting areas, and Dark Skies compliant lighting for safety and environmental protection.
• Vibrant Community & Recreational Hubs: Creation of new recreational areas, ample shade trees, an outdoor exercise circuit, a functional covered Basketball court, and a dedicated playground with adult seating.
• Modernized Administration & Community Center: Significantly larger community center space, visual connection to recreational areas, pre-renovation studies for hazards, and integration of rooftop PV panels, solar hot water heaters, and potable water cisterns for resilience.
• Elevated Residential Unit Standards: Replacement of cabinets, doors, windows, hardware, and plaster with durable materials; EPA Energy Star-compliant windows with security grilles; new wiring and electrical panels; new roof drains and plumbing lines; bathroom upgrades with EPA WaterSense fixtures; and waterproofing of all roofs with provisions for solar heaters and antenna bases.
• Thoughtful Unit Expansion & Accessibility: Proposed expansion into rear patios for enlarged laundry areas and kitchens, creation of covered terraces, and designs ensuring unhindered access meeting Section 504 requirements.

Anticipated Outcomes & Aspirations:

The El Taíno Modernization Project aims to dramatically enhance the community and significantly improve residents' quality of life by addressing decades of neglect. The project anticipates creating a more resilient, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing living environment. The integration of renewable energy and water conservation measures in the Community Center highlights a commitment to long-term sustainability and self-sufficiency, ultimately fostering a healthier, more vibrant community for its residents.