Paseo de Marianas is almost complete

The multi-million dollar Paseo de Marianas mall project in Garapan is almost complete and is scheduled to have its grand opening sometime in November, according to project coordinator Bill Wanket of the Department of Public Works.

Although the island was hit by several typhoons, Wanket said time was made up and the project—part of the Garapan Revitalization Project—was not delayed.

Although initially scheduled for completion on Oct. 7 this year, Wanket said additional work around the area resulted in the extension of the contract.

“After we got the contract, we started adding additional work. When you add additional work…that extends the contract period. The typhoons did interfere, but I think we’re able to make up the time. We’re not delayed, we’re on time,” he said.

Among the additional work needed were improvements to the drainage system to address flooding during rainy weather.

“We extended the improvements even on private property to make it all consistent with the mall,” he said. “We also added additional drainage areas to address all the flooding. We took care of problems as we witnessed them.”

Wanket explained that only several tasks remain before the project can officially be declared complete. “The current work includes finishing touches on the hardscape, adding more landscape, [and] painting a mural on a wall by the canal,” he said.

He said installation of power poles, more benches and other site furniture, glass-covered shelters, and drafting rules and regulations remain to be done.

Wanket said another phase of the revitalization project would begin by the end of the month. This includes installing underground power, 15-foot sidewalks, over 100 trees, light poles, benches, and other amenities along Coral Tree Avenue.

He also said plans of installing traffic lights at the two main intersections—by Winchell’s Doughnut House and American Memorial Park entrance—are still in the works.

Wanket said several changes in traffic pattern would be in effect soon. One-way traffic will be implemented along Royal Palms Avenue, Coconut Street, and Palm Street.

“The rest of the streets, we’ll leave for the time being,’ he said. “As we improve [all] streets with sidewalks and curbs, then we can better define the traffic pattern, but I think at this time it would be premature.”

Wanket also disclosed that several building owners along the mall area have and will continue to make improvements to their buildings.

“There are plans for repainting several buildings, and we’ll assist them as far as coordinating colors [with the mall],” he said.

Meanwhile, Wanket said the current contractor headquarters would no longer be used beginning next Saturday as it has already been rented out to another tenant. He said headquarters would be relocated to the former KFC location along the mall strip.

The mall project, estimated to cost about $3.31 million, got underway on Jan 13, 2004. It was awarded to Maeda Pacific Corp., which promised to complete the work within nine months.

The Strategic Economic Development Council first floated the idea of renovating the Garapan area in the late 1990s as part of its tourist-related beautification program.

The mall project is the third phase of the approximately $25-million Garapan Revitalization Project. The Promenade project, which covers the 3rd Street or Hotel Street, includes the setting up of a lighting system, drinking fountains, covered shelters, and public toilets.

The Revitalization Project aims to transform the downtown Garapan area into an attractive and safe focal point for tourist and resident activities, including strolling, outdoor dining, outdoor musical entertainment, and festivities.

The government said this project would generate at least $200 million in revenue for the government within the four-year period of the revitalization.