A massive new shopping center opens this weekend in Mérida, Yucatán.
The Harbor Mérida, located in the north of the Yucatán capital, is one of the five biggest megamalls in Mexico.
The complex was built over a period of two years by property developers Thor Urbana and Inmobilia with an investment of 1.4 billion pesos (US $72.6 million).
Gran Chapur, a Yucatán-based department store, is the centerpiece of the new mall. The company invested more than 280 million pesos (US $14.5 million) to secure its place in the exclusive development.
The shopping center features elements that are reminiscent of Yucatán’s famous cenotes, or sinkholes, which are popular for swimming. It was designed by Boston-based Elkus Manfredi Architects.
Among the other stores in The Harbor Mérida are fashion chains Forever 21, Under Armour, Kipling and Sunglass Hut. A range of restaurants and cinema chain Cinépolis provide dining and entertainment options.
The mall will create around 800 direct and 960 indirect jobs.
Developer Thor Urbana, which will operate the center, is also behind a 6-billion-peso shopping and lifestyle complex that will open in Metepec, México state, next month.
Source: El Financiero (sp)
