Sandiego Celebrates 52 Years with a Renewed Commitment to Sustainability, Culture, and Entertainment

By Tatiana Balvin

Riding a tricycle or⁢ riding an⁢ escalator for the first time are two of the activities that residents ​of the Aburrá Valley remember, especially ⁤those who visited in the 70s ‌the first shopping center⁢ in ​the country, inaugurated ​in 1972: Sandiego, a space that redefined social ⁣history, buying habits and marks before and after for the commercial culture and urban development of the capital of Antioquia.

In 2024, to celebrate its 52nd birthday, Sandiego is reinventing itself under the management of Alexandra ⁣Molina, who has begun​ implementing a three billion peso ⁤renovation plan that includes sustainability, culture and business tourism, and which she⁣ intends remain one of these plans. leading shopping centers​ in Colombia.

A New Phase of Transformation

Sandiego has been ‌a landmark in the city for over 50 years. What does it mean for you to lead this new phase of transformation?

Firstly, it is important to highlight all those who came before, we had historical leaders‍ that Sandiego would not be what it⁤ is ⁤today, if it wasn’t for them. Accepting this renewal implies a responsibility to‍ face many challenges and opportunities.

We want Sandiego‌ to continue to be a meeting ‍place for everyone, including the new generations, which is⁢ why⁣ we have a very big challenge, namely nightlife and family life on ‍weekends.⁢ Assuming that this renovation implies a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation to ‍the needs of visitors.

Main Transformations

Among the main innovations is the T Zone, which will offer a wide range of cafes and⁣ gastrobars, designed for ‍those who ⁤want to enjoy Sandiego‍ spontaneously. Although the shopping center’s hours will not‌ be extended at this time, Zona T is considered the epicenter of nightlife. The inauguration is scheduled for September this year.

Another key project is the remodeling of the main gate, designed to facilitate the ​flow of visitors, including tourists, as Sandiego is the gateway to Medellín. Our aim is to make visitors stay longer and enjoy their‍ experience at the centre.

In addition, other significant improvements have⁣ been‍ made. Since Sandiego is an old building and lacks entertainment spaces, we created ⁣Plaza Jardín. This new space, transformed with greenery and a more welcoming design, will become an ideal venue for events and activities, offering a more vibrant and engaging experience. Plaza Jardín will not⁢ only⁢ be a temporary area, but also a destination where visitors can enjoy and socialize.

Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility

This‍ whole project is closely linked to corporate social responsibility. We currently have 25 species and‌ more than 2,300 plants ​placed in containers made by mothers who are heads of households.

In addition, ⁢we have invested in energy self-sustainability by installing⁤ solar panels, with the support of two allies. These panels are⁢ installed on‍ clay roofs and other structures,⁢ a total of 4,510 square meters with approximately 987 panels. With this project, we hope to achieve a 35% reduction in ‍traditional energy use and reduce‌ carbon emissions by 116 tonnes.

A New Vision for Sandiego

We are focused on transforming Sandiego, with culture as one of the⁣ central ‍pillars of entertainment. Our aim is ⁣to evolve from a purely commercial center to a space that hosts a rich artistic offering, including music and painting. Thanks to our strategic location ‍between the ‌city center and Perpetual Help, which attracts a wide variety of visitors, Sandiego will continue⁣ to be a key meeting point in the Aburrá‌ Valley.

In ​addition, our aim is to contribute to the re-intensification of the city centre, with plans to add more housing to Sandiego. ‍We believe that this initiative will not only revitalize the sector, but also transform the city. We hope that these changes ​will be⁢ consolidated by 2027.

In this ⁣way,⁤ Sandiego is celebrating its 52nd birthday ⁢with a renovation focused on sustainability, culture and entertainment.⁢ The country’s innovative shopping center continues to establish itself as the key meeting​ place ‍in Medellín.