VRM Companies will unveil the sculpture 'A Orillas del Río' by Puerto Rican artist Luis Torruella this Thursday, June 18 at 5:30pm, at the Club House area of The River Village in Ciudad Jardín Gurabo. The event, which will bring together residents, families, and guests, celebrates the comprehensive transformation of a community that was in a state of abandonment for nearly fifteen years. More than 300 residents are expected to attend, along with Gurabo Mayor Vilmarie Peña, the artist, and VRM team members.
Ciudad Jardín Gurabo had deteriorated significantly, with over 500 families living in neglected common areas, ruined facilities, and declining property values. The Golf Club House, owned by third parties, was vandalized and unused, alongside an abandoned golf course, unused tennis courts, and a deteriorated entrance booth. In 2021, VRM Companies made a commitment to restore dignity and value to the entire community, executing a comprehensive transformation during a pandemic and amidst unprecedented construction cost inflation.
One of the key achievements was the rescue of the Golf Club House, now renamed The River Village. VRM transferred its ownership to the Master Association of Owners, returning control to residents. The facility now hosts multiple businesses and operators, providing first-class services that enrich quality of life and contribute to the local economy. The abandoned courts were replaced with a new Racket Club featuring tennis, pickleball, and beach tennis. The entrance booth was expanded and modernized, and common areas were fully rehabilitated.
The impact extends to both new homebuyers and existing residents. When VRM arrived in 2021, there were about 519 families. Today, more than 1,000 families enjoy the community, thanks to the delivery of resort-style homes in the River Terrace, River View, and River Estates complexes. Despite historic rises in construction costs, these complexes represent affordable housing options for the middle class in Puerto Rico, with average prices around $300,000 to $400,000.
Rafael E. Rojo, President and CEO of VRM Companies, stated, 'At VRM Companies, we believe that good development is one that not only benefits those who buy a home, but elevates a place for the benefit of an extended community. Today, Gurabo has a first-class destination that, while enhancing community life, attracts commercial activity, strengthens the tax base, and projects an image of progress for the entire region.'
The sculpture 'A Orillas del Río' symbolizes this transformation. Its free and flowing lines form the letter 'R', evoking the river that embraces the community and representing the Rescue of an abandoned project, the Resilience of achieving it in adverse times, and the Rebirth of a community in harmony with nature.
This revival not only improves the lives of residents but also has broader implications for Gurabo and Puerto Rico. By attracting commercial activity and strengthening the tax base, the project contributes to the local economy. The transformation of Ciudad Jardín Gurabo serves as a model for community revitalization, demonstrating how private investment and community collaboration can turn around neglected areas.
