Mariano is transformed into an urban center and marks a new milestone in the development of Greater Asunción

With 120,000 m², integration of uses and design by Gensler, the project transforms the traditional shopping center into the first large mixed-use urban complex in the Central Department, boosting the growth of the northern metropolitan axis.

Last Thursday, April 16th, the official launch of Shopping Mariano's transformation into Mariano Centro Urbano took place, in an event that included the groundbreaking ceremony and the unveiling of its new brand identity. More than just a commercial expansion, the project marks the beginning of a new scale of urban development in Greater Asunción, aiming to redefine how commerce, services, housing, and public space are integrated in one of the fastest-growing areas of the metropolitan region.

What began approximately 15 years ago as a shopping center built on land previously used for plantations and agricultural activity has now become the heart of a broader urban transformation. In retrospect, the decision to build a shopping mall in Mariano Roque Alonso, driven by the visionary Don Aldo Zuccolillo when few imagined the area's potential, marked a turning point for the city. Today, the surrounding growth has not only validated that initial investment but has also established the mall as one of the area's main landmarks.

Tamara Mendelzon, Paul Robinson, Jorge Mendelzon (Director de Penta), Inés Giménez (Gerente de Mariano), Santiago Lantermino (Gerente General de Penta S.A.) y Pablo Mendelzon, durante el acto de la primera palada de Mariano.

In this context, Mariano ceases to be merely a commercial destination and becomes an integrated urban center. The project not only expands its scale but also incorporates new uses: commerce, services, healthcare, and housing, aligned with the growing demand in the area, consolidating itself as a central hub of activity with a more constant and diversified flow throughout the day.

The total intervention covers approximately 120,000 m², combining the modernization of existing areas with new construction that significantly expands the complex's capacity and scope. The current shopping center is fully occupied, with growing demand for additional spaces. This scenario not only reflects the project's established position but also validates the need for expansion. The expansion will allow the number of stores to increase from approximately 90 to nearly 200, representing not only growth in quantity but also a concrete opportunity to optimize the retail mix to meet evolving consumer demands, particularly in the areas of food, services, and experiences.

The project's location is one of its key strategic assets. Situated on one of the most important access routes to Greater Asunción, in a corridor connecting the capital with the north of the country and with Argentina, Mariano is located in an area that has experienced sustained urban growth in recent years. Mariano Roque Alonso has ceased to be a peripheral area and has become a rapidly expanding zone, with residential development and commercial growth.

In this scenario, the new Mariano acts as a catalyst for development. Its scale, its diversity of uses, and its ability to attract people position it as an anchor point capable of structuring the growth of the Northern District , generating a multiplier effect on the surrounding area.

One of the most significant aspects of the project is its focus on the urban experience. Mariano incorporates an open design, where interior and exterior spaces are integrated through simple and clear pathways, with a strong presence of green areas and gathering spaces. The addition of an internal commercial avenue and open plazas not only expands the retail offering but also incorporates new urban spaces into the city.

In its first phase, the project incorporates new components, with 10,000 m² of additional retail space and 10,000 m² dedicated to a large-scale medical center, which will integrate a clinic and consulting rooms. This healthcare component adds a new layer of functionality, aligned with a growing trend toward the concentration of services in integrated urban hubs.

In addition, there are 12,500 m² comprising two residential towers, with a third tower planned for later phases. Integrating housing within the complex not only expands the overall offering but also creates a permanent community. This translates into higher usage, constant activity across different sectors, and a more stable demand base for commercial tenants, complementing the traditional flow of the retail component.

This approach is supported by an infrastructure designed to accommodate this new scale, with approximately 1,500 parking spaces, optimized internal vehicular circulation, and the integration of vegetation as a central component of the project. In addition, there are spaces designated for events and activities, allowing for continuous programming and greater dynamism throughout the complex year-round.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the last quarter of 2026, with completion estimated for mid-2029, including the modernization of existing areas.

The design of the new Mariano is being handled by Gensler, the world's largest architecture and design firm, with a presence in over 100 countries and a proven track record in developing large-scale urban projects. The choice of a firm of this caliber reflects the scale and significance of the transformation. In this sense, Gensler's involvement brings not only design expertise but also experience in planning this type of development on a global scale.

In short, Mariano is not just expanding a shopping mall. He's introducing a new logic of urban development in Greater Asunción, where the integration of uses, community building, and quality of experience become the central pillars. This project, due to its scale, location, and design, is establishing itself as the main urban hub of the northern metropolitan area and a turning point in the evolution of the local real estate market.