What was once a single home residential area where two thirds of the population of Greater Santo Domingo lives is now suffering a mega transformation. Developers are building the city’s tallest skyscrapers and more are coming. The municipal legislation allows for building up to 50 floors and that seems to be happening, Adalberto de la Rosa reports for Diario Libre.
Santo Domingo East, the large area located between the Ozama River and Las Americas International Airport is growing in density of construction in leaps and bounds.
The area is served by the Mega Centro shopping center, but more commercial centers are opening and more to come. There is extensive area for developers of residential and commercial properties.
According to a report by Adalberto de la Rosa for Diario Libre on 12 January 2026, Santo Domingo East (SDE) is undergoing a massive urban transformation, shifting from its historical reputation as a “dormitory town” to a vertical city competing with the National District.
As of January 2026, the municipality is seeing record-breaking construction projects that prioritize height and ocean views.
Diario Libre explains that the construction boom is concentrated in four primary sectors, fueled by new municipal regulations that allow for unprecedented heights:
Alma Rosa I: This neighborhood is currently the heart of the vertical movement. It will host the Laura Michel 38, which at 38 stories (130 meters), is set to be the tallest residential tower in the municipality.
Avenida España: Located along the coastline, regulations here since 2017 allow for buildings up to 50 stories. Current projects include the 25-level Civil Tower Oceance and Coralia, a massive development featuring over 3,300 homes and a luxury hotel.
Ensanche Ozama & Avenida Ecológica: These areas are also seeing growth, though the Ecológica region faces height restrictions (limited to 5 floors) in certain spots due to its proximity to the San Isidro Air Base flight paths.
Investors are betting on more than just housing. The Diario Libre story highlights several “mega-projects” that will redefine the local economy:
City Center by Lady Lee: A $700 million investment located between Charles de Gaulle and Las Américas. This complex will feature nine towers (residential, office, and hotel) and a large shopping center.
Ciudad Juan Bosch: This massive residential development is readying its own amphitheater, adding a cultural and entertainment hub to the eastern side of the city.
Infrastructure: Growth is being supported by the expansion of the “Barrera de Salinidad” aqueduct to improve water supply and recent renovations to the Avenida España Malecón (boardwalk).
Market trends and challenges
The real estate market in SDE has become highly competitive. In Alma Rosa I, apartments now start at US$170,000, with luxury penthouses reaching US$1 million. Prices per square meter are hovering around US$2,000.
However, the local construction association (Acosde) warns of some headwinds. Despite the physical growth, sales have dipped between 30% and 40% recently due to high interest rates and increased tax burdens. Developers are calling on the government for incentives to ensure this vertical momentum continues.
On 13 January 2026, Listin Diario publishes a report on major deficiencies on garbage collections is impacting the Ciudad Juan Bosch, the largest residential development in Santo Domingo East.
Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre
Listin Diario
13 January 2026