The Town of Santa Elena in Monteverde, Costa Rica attracts over 200,000 visitors annually. The existing infrastructure does not support the seasonal influx of vehicular traffic. Calle Verde, working with the Chamber of Tourism and the University of Buffalo Architecture program, aims to provide infrastructural solutions to accommodate tourists enjoying downtown Santa Elena and the locals relying on critical services in the city.

Our proposal utilizes the existing topography to create an integrated parking facility - increasing parking availability and providing community services to the town and adjacent high school. The proposed design aims to support a healthy tourist economy, protect natural resources and systems, and respond to community needs. The design also considers the Town’s long-term goal of converting the main street of Santa Elena into a pedestrian zone.