Governor Jenniffer González inaugurated a new entrance portico and an outdoor theater at the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré in Santurce. The new Pórtico de las Artes, designed by architect Jorge Rigau, transforms the complex's entrance from Ponce de León Avenue, adding shaded areas, rain protection, lighting, landscaping, a bus stop and a fountain, while preserving the original access ramp.
González noted Rigau had criticized the original 1981 design by Rodolfo Fernández in The San Juan Star for not fully inviting the city into the center, and four decades later got the chance to correct that. The new Outdoor Theater, also designed by Rigau Arquitectos, sits at the end of Plaza Juan Morel Campos between the main CBA building and the Pablo Casals Symphony Hall, and will be able to host an orchestra with dressing rooms, bathrooms and storage areas, with audiences able to watch from the lawn, plaza or the Symphony Hall steps.
The two projects cost a combined $3,803,751, funded through CAPEX funds from the Office of Management and Budget (OGP) for infrastructure and capital improvements; construction was handled by GBG Builders. González also cited prior upgrades: $770,000 for sound system modernization in three halls and over $1.6 million for LED lighting.