Quality, proximity, and accessibility are three concepts that can be said to merge in the real estate developments and commercial sector in vogue in Mendoza: the strip centers. These are small shopping malls or open-air complexes that are becoming increasingly common in the urban landscape of the province.
Also known as “street malls”, these spaces generally offer a variety of shops, services, gastronomy, health, and sports, among others. They are typically situated near private or gated neighborhoods, although there are also examples outside of these areas, and they are gaining popularity in different localities.
One of the companies that has invested significantly in this format recently is Kristich Desarrollos, with projects in Luján de Cuyo, Las Heras, and some future developments in Guaymallén. “We have chosen the strip center format because it provides a more convenient and accessible shopping experience. This format allows customers to easily access a variety of shops and services in one location, which adds value and convenience to the daily lives of residents in gated neighborhoods,” commented Emiliano Barta and Giovani Alarcón, the company’s managers for this segment.
According to them, these real estate developments offer several advantages over traditional malls or individual stores: accessibility and convenience, as they can typically be accessed without lengthy trips, the variety of services available, the efficiency and speed of purchases, and, for merchants and brands, reduced operating costs.
Currently, they are constructing two strip centers, both connected to private neighborhoods: La Bastilla and Alma Gardenia, which are expected to open by the end of this year. These projects encompass a total of 7,800 m² of covered space and 100 retail units.
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Alma Gardenia, one of the private neighborhoods where a new strip center will be developed. (Photo: Kristich Desarrollos)
For Giménez Rilli Desarrollos Inmobiliarios, the commitment to strip centers comes from their belief that they are essential for “the effective construction and urban development of a private neighborhood.” Shopping malls are located in various parts of Guaymallén, San Martín, and Maipú, all connected to their projects such as Las Cortaderas Country, El Bosque Private Neighborhood, La Carmelina Country Club, or Las Tacas Coquimbito.
Juan Manuel Gimenez Riili, CEO of the company, noted that the growth can be attributed to two factors: the surge of private neighborhoods in Mendoza and “a bit of fashion.” “The format will continue to expand as long as these types of complexes and private developments remain prevalent, but it will evolve in terms of the services offered. I believe they should focus more on services like café-bars and gyms,” he anticipated.
Cortaderas, a shopping mall, one of the Giménez Riili developments. (Photo: Giménez Rilli Real Estate Developments)
A trend that is expanding
The epicenter of strip centers can be found in Luján de Cuyo. In addition to a long list of those already operational, such as Quick Point, Álamo, and Terra Malva, to name a few, the municipality informed MDZ that there are currently six projects under construction this year. Some of these will be located in busy areas of the department, including Acceso Sur and the streets Viamonte, Guardia Vieja, or Sáenz Peña.
Another department with a significant number of strip centers is Maipú. Currently, there are at least 10 real estate developments of this kind that are operational. The municipality has indicated that they employ specific regulations to evaluate and analyze the impact of these potential constructions on the area.
Based on the possible authorizations they are processing, five additional strip centers could be developed in the coming months: one in the Luzuriaga area, two in the western region, and two in the eastern area of the Maipú department.
In Guaymallén, there are about a dozen projects that have been recorded in the last year and a half, either with approved permits or currently under construction.
The City appears to have fewer projects being developed or that have emerged recently. According to their explanations, the price per square meter is higher, making this format less convenient from that perspective. Nevertheless, there are currently three new developments that have been initiated.
In Godoy Cruz, there are nearly a dozen operational shopping malls, with future plans for another one featuring 12 retail units to be located at the intersection of Chuquisaca and Segundo Sombra, while a larger scale project known as the Arizu Master Plan is underway, involving infrastructure and urban development on the land of the old winery.
This type of construction can also be found in other areas of the province. For instance, in the eastern region, Kristich recently developed Totem Boulevard, which is currently expanding. Another example is La Recova in Junín, located across from the municipal building, featuring a diverse commercial and gastronomic offering.
Several projects are currently under construction. (Photo: Santiago Tagua/MDZ)
The city of 15 minutes
There is a term in urban planning created by Carlos Moreno called the 15-minute city. He proposes that most of the essential services a citizen needs should be within walking distance or a bicycle ride of less than 15 minutes from any point in the city.
This concept has inspired Vistapueblo, a real estate developments company of the Stornini Group, which has Vistapueblo Estación, operational for over 15 years on the border of Carrodilla and Chacras de Coria in Luján de Cuyo, and recently opened a gastronomic and commercial walkway aimed primarily at serving the residents of the development. This initiative is known as Vistapueblo Ciudad.
Vistapueblo City, a gastronomic and commercial development. (Photo: Santiago Tagua/MDZ)
The site hosts a supermarket that has been in the area for years, along with new developments such as the Alvear building, designed as an office project, and a commercial base housing various gastronomic projects and additional services like a pharmacy and electronic payment options. There are plans to open more stores soon and construct another Alvear building, this time focused on residential use.
“The concept resembles a mini-city, combining gastronomy, shopping, and services. Here, corporate and residential elements are also integrated, making it more than just a strip center,” explained Joaquín Gómez Centurión, Head of Communications and Marketing at Vistapueblo.
Exploring the Rise of Strip Centers in Mendoza Real Estate Development
Quality, proximity, and accessibility are three essential concepts merging in the world of real estate developments and commercial spaces in Mendoza, particularly through the popularization of strip centers. These small, open-air shopping complexes are rapidly becoming fixtures in the province’s urban landscape, catering to modern lifestyles and consumer demands.
What Are Strip Centers?
Often referred to as “street malls,” strip centers encompass various shops, services, and dining options, including gastronomy, health, and sports. Typically located near private or gated communities, these developments have a growing presence across various departments in Mendoza.
Company Insights and Developments
One of the leading firms investing in strip center development is Kristich Desarrollos. With ongoing projects in Luján de Cuyo, Las Heras, and plans for more in Guaymallén, Kristich is keen on enhancing shopping convenience for residents. “We chose the strip center format due to its ability to offer a more convenient and accessible shopping experience,” commented Emiliano Barta and Giovani Alarcón, managers in the segment.
According to the company’s perspective, these real estate developments possess several advantages over traditional malls or standalone stores:
- Accessibility: Locations are generally easy to access, eliminating the need for long trips.
- Variety: Customers have access to a wide range of services in one spot.
- Efficiency: Quick shopping experiences and shorter wait times are typical.
- Cost-Effective: Merchants enjoy lower operating costs.
Kristich is working on two strip centers linked to private neighborhoods—La Bastilla and Alma Gardenia—scheduled to open later this year, boasting a combined size of 7,800 m² and 100 premises.
Giménez Rilli Real Estate Developments Approach
Giménez Rilli Desarrollos Inmobiliarios also embraces the strip center model, recognizing them as vital elements of effective urbanization in private neighborhoods. Their strip center projects are spread across Guaymallén, San Martín, and Maipú, directly associated with high-end developments like Las Cortaderas Country, El Bosque Private Neighborhood, and La Carmelina Country Club.
“The growth is driven by the proliferation of private neighborhoods in Mendoza and a bit of market trend,” noted Juan Manuel Gimenez Riili, CEO. He anticipates continued expansion of strip centers, especially as newer complexes emerge. “I think we will see more services like cafes and gyms,” he added, underlining a shift in customer preferences.
A Trend on the Rise
The epicenter of strip center activity can be observed in Luján de Cuyo. Alongside already operational centers like Quick Point, Álamo, and Terra Malva, six additional projects are currently underway in busy areas like Acceso Sur and Viamonte, according to municipal reports.
Meanwhile, Maipú is home to at least 10 existing real estate developments. The municipality has specific regulations in place to evaluate the impact of these projects, with five potential new centers slated for construction, including locations in Luzuriaga and elsewhere in the department.
Guaymallén reports roughly a dozen strip centers initiated in the last year and a half, either approved or in progress. In contrast, the City has seen a slower development rate due to higher land costs, though three recent projects were completed.
Notable Existing Strip Centers
Here are some key examples of existing strip centers in Mendoza:
| Strip Center | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Point | Luján de Cuyo | Diverse shops and services |
| Álamo | Luján de Cuyo | Open-air dining options |
| Terra Malva | Luján de Cuyo | Gastronomic offerings |
| Totem Boulevard | San Martín | Planned expansion |
| La Recova | Junín | Commercial and gastronomic hub |
Urban Planning and the Concept of the 15-Minute City
A significant trend influencing strip centers is the concept of the “15-minute city,” pioneered by urban planner Carlos Moreno. This approach advocates that all essential services should be accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from residences, enhancing community accessibility and quality of life.
This idea inspired Vistapueblo, a Stornini Group real estate venture offering Vistapueblo Estación. This project focuses on providing essential services and diverse dining options to local residents. Recently, they launched Vistapueblo Ciudad, a development aimed at elevating the neighborhood’s lifestyle.
Featuring a grocery store, office spaces, and various commercial offerings, the Vistapueblo Ciudad aims to cultivate a self-sufficient community. “Our goal was to create a mini-city complete with gastronomy, shopping, and services. This mixture includes corporate and residential components, going beyond the traditional strip center,” said Joaquín Gómez Centurión, Head of Communications and Marketing at Vistapueblo.
Benefits of Strip Centers in Mendoza
- Convenience: Strip centers provide a one-stop shopping experience, allowing residents to quickly access needed services.
- Community Focus: These centers are designed to serve local neighborhoods, fostering a sense of community.
- Real Estate Value: The presence of nearby strip centers increases the appeal of residential properties.
- Diverse Offerings: Consumers benefit from a variety of shopping and dining options at their doorstep.
Case Studies: Success Stories from Mendoza’s Strip Centers
Multiple strip centers in Mendoza have demonstrated their effectiveness in meeting community needs:
1. Quick Point
Known for its convenient location and diverse service offerings, Quick Point has become a neighborhood staple, providing daily essentials within walking distance.
2. La Bastilla
In the heart of a private neighborhood, this strip center integrates shopping and dining with community events. Its strategic location has attracted significant foot traffic since its opening.
3. Vistapueblo Ciudad
With its unique mix of residential, commercial, and office space, Vistapueblo Ciudad continues to redefine the neighborhood, enhancing quality of life for its residents.
