Community Profiles

The Emerald Vista revitalization is a comprehensive transformation of a previously distressed and obsolete public housing site into a resilient, inter-generational, mixed-income community.  Since Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria struck the island in 2017, there has been an acute need in Puerto Rico for high-quality, affordable, resilient housing for all types of families. The Emerald Vista revitalization is working to meet that need.

The 20-acre site in south Caguas includes 238 apartments for families - ranging from one- to four-bedrooms in townhomes and walk-up apartments. There is also a 200-unit apartment building for seniors.

In addition, the new community includes a 6,400 square foot administrative building with a community room with a business area and wif-fi, a fitness room and management space.

The community has integrated health and safety features including an enhanced lighting plan, security-controlled parking, smart keys and smart home security, fitness and walking trails, small playgrounds, a community gathering public-park with a main plaza and multiple gazebos.

In addition to sustainable features like a photovoltaic solar system, energy star appliances and fixtures, and solar/wind orientation, the new development is resilient to storm events, including hurricane-resistant construction, emergency power supplies, and a robust resiliency plan.

Emerald Vista is the first housing development in Puerto Rico to use Federal HUD CDBG-Disaster Recovery funds to help the island recover from the 2017 hurricane season. A public/private partnership between the Puerto Rico Department of Housing, McCormack Baron Salazar, and private investors has resulted in over $130 million invested in the effort.