World Urbanization Homepage
1950-1970
The growth of San Juan continued to follow the general pattern of a car-based city and additional zones of commuter suburbs, with industry scattered throughout, popped up on the fringes of the urban area.
The San Juan Metropolitan Planning Commission decided in the 1970s to promote industrial growth along the south and south-east shores of San Juan Harbor. Much of the land this new industrial growth took place on had previously been established middle-class residential communities, which were demolished.
The booming American economy continued to spur growth in San Juan, which is pretty much the pattern from 1950 to the present. The growth within the built-area of San Juan took the form of restoration and rebuilding. Much of the Spanish colonial architecture remains preserved in the old city, serving as a major tourist attraction for both mainland Americans and other foreigners.