Convention Center maintenance advances despite delays
The Puerto Rico Convention Center District Authority reported progress on its phased maintenance program, citing advances on several projects while noting schedule adjustments tied to operational and logistical challenges.
The work is part of a long-term maintenance plan aimed at preserving the Convention Center as a public asset that supports economic activity, business tourism and the island’s conventions and events sector, the authority said.
“This project is part of the Convention Center’s planned maintenance program and reflects a responsible approach to preserving the facility,” said Veronica Ferraiuoli, executive director of the Convention Center District Authority.
She said the revised timeline reflects the complexity of the work and the need to balance construction with ongoing operations.
“The priority has been, and continues to be, completing each phase according to established standards, without compromising safety, operations or the event schedule,” Ferraiuoli said.
One of the main projects involves maintenance of the metal structure known as La Ola, which the authority said is 85% complete. The original completion date of Dec. 31, 2025, has been extended to Feb. 28, 2026.
The authority attributed the delay to several factors, including workdays lost to weather conditions, particularly rain, mechanical failures requiring frequent equipment replacements, limited availability of specialized aerial platforms and delays in material deliveries. It also cited the grounding and looting of a barge en route to Puerto Rico near the Bahamas as a factor affecting the supply chain.
Rehabilitation of the building’s waterproofing membrane is also underway and has reached 55% completion. The projected completion date for that phase remains March 31.
Once construction work in each area is completed, a final phase of mitigation and cleaning will follow. The authority said that work will be coordinated with the Convention Center’s operating schedule to limit disruption.
