Toa Alta Heights Avenue Complete Streets Program

Location: Toa Alta, Puerto Rico

Project Overview / The Challenge:

The Avenida Dayanara Torres in Toa Alta, once a chaotic ¾-mile corridor marred by disorganized parking, speeding vehicles, and unmanaged waste, faced further devastation after Hurricane Maria in 2017. Its vital role as an economic, commercial, residential, and educational artery was severely compromised. The challenge was to transform this struggling avenue into a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient pedestrian streetscape that honored the community's pride and catalyzed revitalization.

Our Approach / The PIERI Solution:

PIERI Architects reimagined Avenida Dayanara Torres as a model of connectivity, resilience, and economic opportunity through a forward-looking design. Our approach focused on "Complete Streets" principles, enhancing safety and accessibility for all users, and fostering community engagement. This was achieved through close coordination with municipal government, program managers, and project stakeholders, ensuring a balanced approach to aesthetics, functionality, and community needs.

Key Design Features / Innovations:

• Traffic Calming: Reduced from four to two vehicle lanes, with widened sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and speed bumps every 200–300 feet to improve safety.
• Organized Parking: Designated 167 parking spaces to support businesses and accessibility without disrupting pedestrian flow.
• Cyclist Safety: Dedicated bike lanes ensure a safe experience for cyclists, seamlessly integrating with other traffic.
• Resilient Infrastructure: Upgraded utilities (electricity, telecommunications) enhance resilience against severe weather and ensure service continuity.
• Green Spaces: Introduced tree-lined pathways and green areas for shade, urban beautification, and pedestrian activity.
• Stormwater Management: Rain garden planters mitigate surface runoff into the Río Bucarabones watershed and promote rainwater percolation.
• Lighting: Dimmable, Dark Skies compliant LED light fixtures minimize light pollution, ensure energy efficiency, and promote safe evening use.
• Economic Revitalization: Infrastructure upgrades and public space enhancements are designed to foster business growth and attract new ventures.
• Organized Waste Management: Installation of portable gated dumpster enclosures to resolve disorganized waste issues, improving public hygiene.
• Parklets for Restaurants: Provision of portable "parklets" for additional open-air seating, promoting a vibrant street scene.

Anticipated Outcomes & Aspirations:

Avenida Dayanara Torres is anticipated to be reborn as a cherished community asset, transforming a previously disorganized and unsafe corridor into a vibrant hub of connectivity and economic opportunity. The project is designed to foster business growth, improve safety and public hygiene, and create dynamic public spaces, underscoring PIERI Architects’ commitment to enhancing quality of life through sustainable urban renewal. This project aims to set a new standard for complete streets design in the region.