[Image: urbancityarch – Flickr]
Due to various zoning and building restrictions paired with increasing populations, contractors are moving more and more toward vertical rather than horizontal developments. While this region is not historically known for having many skyscrapers, making up only 4% of the world’s skyscrapers, this is changing. New developments of office, hotel, residential and mixed- use skyscrapers are becoming more and more common. Keep reading for a few of my favorite recent and upcoming Latin American skyscrapers.
Gran Torre Santiago – Santiago, Chile
As of 2012, Gran Torre Santiago has been the tallest building in Latin America and the second largest building in the southern hemisphere. Construction began in June of 2006 and is nearing its completion date in 2014. The building tops out at 300 meters with 64 stories of office space. This project required an investment of almost $500 million USD.
The Point – Panama City, Panama
Upon its completion in 2011, The Point was the tallest building in all of Latin America, at 266 meters high. Though it has since been passed, it remains the tallest all-residential building in the western hemisphere. The tower is comprised of 67 floors of luxury residential property in a prime location, which can be seen from any point in Panama City. It is also notable that this city contains the second most skyscrapers in Latin America, 19th in the world.
Trump Ocean Club – Panama City, Panama
The Trump Ocean Club Hotel and Tower is the tallest building in Panama and second tallest in Latin America, at 284 meters high. This project required an investment for $400 million USD and was built from 2007 to 2011. It is a mixed use space, with 70 floors of hotel rooms, condominiums, retail shops, a casino and various amenities.
Company Business Towers– Sao Paulo, Brazil
The Company Business Towers are a 2 building development of mixed-use commercial office space. While they are still under construction, they are nearing completion and are expected to be in use by 2014. The taller of the two skyscrapers, Torre Sigma, tops off at 189 meters. This makes it the tallest building in Brazil. While Sao Paulo has the most skyscrapers in Latin America, and the 7th most in the world, there are still no towers at over 200 meters.
Of the new skyscrapers popping up throughout Latin America, which are you most excited about?
If you are interested in hearing more on Latin American real estate, check out Real Estate Investment World Latin America.
