Oakland Place Transformation Earns ICSC Best of the Best Award 2025

Oakland Place has received the Best of the Best Award 2025 from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), recognizing its transformation into an integrated destination that brings together commerce, entertainment, dining, nature and spaces for social interaction.

The project was also awarded a Gold Award in the Renovations/Expansions category and received an Honorable Mention in Sustainability at the ICSC Global Design & Development Awards, which recognize outstanding trends and achievements in the design and development of commercial spaces worldwide.

Oakland Place Stands Out Among International Projects

Oakland Place initially competed against 35 international proposals before being selected as one of seven finalists for the Best of the Best Award.

The recognition highlights the transformation the project has undergone in recent years and its evolution toward a destination designed to combine commercial activity with entertainment, dining, nature and shared urban spaces.

Through this recognition, Oakland Place was acknowledged among projects competing at an international level for their approach to the design and development of commercial spaces.

A Transformation Beyond a Traditional Commercial Renovation

In 2024, the project was transformed into Oakland Place, introducing a new concept focused on becoming a destination integrated into the city.

The renovation incorporated global trends and new experiences designed for a modern lifestyle. Its proposal includes commercial and dining areas, financial spaces, gardens, rest areas and entertainment options, including interactive games.

Rather than focusing solely on the renovation of a commercial property, the project sought to create a space connected to its surroundings while offering experiences for different audiences.

The international recognition also highlights Guatemala's talent and capacity to develop projects that meet international standards and compete alongside proposals from different countries.

Spectrum Hosts A City In Motion Forum

To celebrate the recognition, Spectrum organized A City In Motion, a forum focused on the future of cities and the factors that contribute to their evolution.

The event brought together representatives from the public and private sectors, along with urban development experts, who shared different perspectives on the decisions and projects with the potential to transform cities.

The forum also addressed the impact of having projects developed in Guatemala receive international recognition.

Among the participants were Harris Whitbeck, General Director of the Guatemalan Tourism Institute; Carlos Betancourt, Executive Director of the Colombian Shopping Centers Association and President of the Latin American Chamber of the Shopping Center Industry; Andrés Prera, founding member of the Guatemala Green Building Council and Enviro; Carlos Ramírez, Development Manager at Spectrum; and Ramiro Alfaro, CEO of Spectrum.

Recognition for the Development of Commercial Spaces

The ICSC promotes the development of spaces that bring together activities including commerce, dining, entertainment, work and social interaction.

Through its Global Design & Development Awards Program, the organization recognizes outstanding achievements in the design and development of commercial properties and tenant spaces.

With the Best of the Best Award, Oakland Place joins internationally recognized projects for their approach to transformation and development, demonstrating how a commercial space can evolve into a destination that combines economic activity, entertainment, nature and urban interaction.