They are building a HUGE mall not far from where we live, so I bike over there now and then to see how it is progressing.
At first they spent what seemed like months moving dirt around, clearing boulders, and preparing the site. A year and a half ago, I wrote this post, when construction was starting and tons of people were hard at work. The post includes a video of the vision for the completed mall.
About three months later it looked like this. I’ve gone by a number of times since but never got around to posting pictures. But, a few days ago I took some more photos and actually got them ready to share.
It is really coming along! They guys on site said it will be another year though. When you think of getting 400 stores and whatever else will be there from block walls to finished spaces, that’s understandable. It’s a huge job.
I have heard conflicting stories about the bus terminal. At first it was planned to be there too, and then I heard it was going to remain downtown so I’m not sure what is going on with that. There would be more space and it would be easier for busses to get in and out at the mall, but many like the busses going downtown where they can easily walk to many places.
However that goes, it will be interesting to see how the mall works out. Who is going to shop and support all those stores? How many people in nearby and more expensive Costa Rica will be happy? How will it affect traffic in the area? How will it affect water and power use in a city that already has problems, especially with the water supply in the dry season? Traffic though… the Panamerican Highway is already bogged down with heavy traffic much of the time and could really really use a lot more traffic lights. Now there will be hundreds and hundreds of shoppers and employees trying to get to the mall? It’s a good thing I don’t like to shop 😁 Of course I’ll have to check it out though when it’s open.
I feel like we live in such a happening place! This is only one of many commercial and residential projects underway or recently completed. It’s exciting to watch, especially when we can retreat to our quiet little neighborhood at the end of the day.
The Panama Adventure 
Thanks for the update on the mall Kris. I have been wondering how it was coming along but could not find any updates on progress on internet.
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You’re welcome 😊
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The problems with such massive construction projects like these, everywhere, is it seems little thought is given to the infrastructure needed to support it once it’s finished.
I remember once, while living over in Antibes, France, looking around and counting almost TWENTY construction cranes building tall structures. Like you mentioned, what are they going to do to ease the already nearly gridlocked roads? How are they going to deal with all the refuse and sewage that’s going to be generated when people move in?
Like you said, traffic there in David is ALREADY a mess. It’s almost always at a standstill all day long on that stretch out by Regional Hospital, and when there’s the nesrly inevitable daily crashes along the highway you can sit in your vehicle for hours!
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I wish they would put in traffic lights! That’s would help so much. The highway around the Via Boquete overpass is always a mess and in front of regional hospital is even worse. Trying to turn right on to the highway is difficult, and turning left is worse. People manage mainly on the kindness of others letting them in. There are still no on and off ramps to Via Boquete. Word is KFC won’t give up the land needed. Sewers though, they are in a two year project to put sewers throughout the city and a treatment plant south of the city. It will be interesting to see how this all works out.
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I have learned that sometimes things just don’t make sense here in Panama. In the town of Las Tablas, the bus “Parada” pick up point for buses/vans to most all other towns other than Panama City and Santiago has been moved from downtown to outside of the town toward Pedasi. It’s a nice use of an old building, but there are no sidewalks along the road, and people have to walk on a narrow busy highway or catch a taxi. It’s even further away from the Bus Terminal for the buses from Panama City arrive, so instead of walking 6 blocks to catch another bus, you have to walk about 15.
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That is so true! I never could figure out why they even have two separate terminals.
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