Meanwhile, architect Kalil Michel Prebost, deputy minister of Public Works, announced the government was proceeding with the project for the development of the Sans Souci/Malecon area. The project contemplates the demolition of the Parque Maria Eugenio de Hostos to build two high-rise hotels, the construction of a shopping mall where the cruise ship terminal of Don Diego port is now, plus marina where the Sans Souci naval installations are located. Architect Leandro Macarrulla and Lisandro Macarulla were given a 40-year concession to carry out the project. A bridge over the Ozama River will also be built.
On 16 September, President Fernandez had given power of attorney to Public Works Minister Freddy Perez to negotiate the concession without a tender.
Michel Prebost said the project includes the improvement to the Sans Souci beach to service the hotels that will be built. He said that highrise apartments will be ready in two years. He said the project would be completed prior to the end of this government.
In his opinion, this project will complement the proposal for the artificial island.
He said that also contemplated is the construction of a parking building for 1,000 cars in the area facing Anton de Montesinos monument.
Other companies participating in the proposal are Guayacanes SA, Olcox, C por A and Condico SA.
The projects for the construction of several more hotels are announced at a time when occupancy in Santo Domingo is the lowest in the country, the Santo Domingo Hilton on the Malecon has delayed its opening, and the adjacent Malecon Center mega highrise residential development is very slow in taking off.