Calso Plaza, situated in Nuevo Polanco, Mexico City, stands on the site of a former abandoned factory. As the largest redevelopment project in Latin America, it spans over 1,250,000 square meters, encompassing commercial, residential, retail, and cultural buildings alongside newly created public spaces. Originally envisioned in 2005, the project was founded on the belief that outstanding culture and architecture serve as vital drivers of economic and social transformation, laying the groundwork for a new tourist destination and commercial hub in Mexico City, the largest city in Latin America.
The vibrant blend of cultural and entertainment venues—including the Somaya Museum (2010), the Gamax Museum (2013), and the Cervantes Theater (2013)—has established Calso Plaza as one of the city’s newest and most appealing destinations. Karlsson Square itself features 11 residential apartments, 9 low-rise office buildings dedicated to commercial use, and 4 cultural buildings. It also houses one of Mexico City’s largest shopping centers, boasting high-end stores and international retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue. Additional amenities include cinemas, restaurants, and rooftop gardens, all designed to serve shoppers, tourists, residents, and the thousands of employees working in the multinational companies headquartered in this district. The area has rapidly become a popular locale, further enhanced by developments such as the new U.S. Embassy.
▲ Overall planning map
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Karlsson Square’s master plan. All building facades are constructed with low-energy glass panels, custom-manufactured to meet international standards. The site employs advanced wastewater recovery systems for water collection, filtration, and distribution, featuring Latin America’s first cooling power plant of its scale and an efficient rainwater harvesting system. Over half of the development’s area is dedicated to green spaces and open areas, including a 10-kilometer green corridor originally designed for an international competition that attracted some of the world’s most renowned landscape architects.
FR-EE has been responsible for drafting the master plans and updates for each construction phase. Their role also includes designing and delivering four residential towers, four Grade A office buildings, shopping centers, the Inbursa Aquarium, and the Soyama Museum.
The project is currently in its third phase, which includes six residential buildings, four office buildings, and additional retail and support facilities, all designed by FR-EE.
Night view of buildings
▲ Sectional view
Project Information
Scale: 1,250,000 square meters (13,454,877 square feet)
Client: Carlso Group
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Construction Timeline:
Phase 1: 2010–2012
Phase 2: 2014–2018
Phase 3: In progress
Design Firm: FR-EE
Partners: Arup, Colinas de Buen, Construcción Grupo PC, Cyvsa, Dypro, Garza Maldonado, Gehry Technologies, Hubard and Bourlon, Inpros, Kone, Lighteam & Architecture of Light Mier and Terán, Saad Acoustica, Saint Gobain Glass, Synergia Light Team, Sitcom, Swecomex
Photographers: Adam Weisman, Rafael Gamo, Yannick Wegner, Gabriel Arellano
Project Background
This site represents the largest mixed-use development land in Latin America and ranks among the largest worldwide. Throughout the design and planning process, extensive engagement with local citizens and community users was conducted through surveys to ensure the project met public needs and expectations.
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