From Forgotten Passage to Urban Gem: Cuenca's Tuolop Walkway Renovation

In the heart of Cuenca's storied Historic Center, a hidden and often-avoided space is about to undergo a significant transformation. The Tuolop Walkway, a narrow passage tucked away behind the IESS (Ecuadorian Social Security Institute) building, has long been a victim of its own obscurity and neglect. This poorly known plaza, a mere 100 meters from the bustling Parque Calderón, is on the cusp of being reborn as a vibrant urban oasis.

The walkway, which connects Calle Borrero with Hermano Miguel, between Gran Colombia and Bolívar, has been a curious paradox. Despite its central location, it has remained a low-traffic area, viewed with suspicion by pedestrians due to its unattractive appearance and reputation for being a public urinal. Its unsavory condition has made it a forgotten part of the city's urban fabric.

Beginning on August 18, the Cuenca Municipality, led by Mayor Cristian Zamora, will launch an ambitious four-month renovation project. The goal is to recover this space with a design similar to the highly successful Calle Santa Ana revitalization, turning it into a new tourist attraction.

The project's vision is a complete overhaul of the walkway's infrastructure. It will include the installation of pergolas, benches, and new lighting to create a more inviting and secure atmosphere. Additionally, the plan calls for dedicated areas for visitors to enjoy local gastronomy, with the mayor hoping for new cafés and bars to open, transforming the space into "a place full of art, like in Europe."

This initiative is part of a broader municipal plan to revitalize public spaces and attract more people to the city center. Mayor Zamora's administration is focused on making Cuenca a "living city," filled with concerts, events, and activities that draw visitors from across the country.

Interestingly, this plaza was originally built in the early 1970s and has since seen multiple proposals for its regeneration. Now, with a committed municipal plan and a planned completion date by the end of December, the Tuolop Walkway is finally getting the attention it deserves. While the specific contractor for the work has not yet been announced, the mayor's call for local business owners to "renew their proposals" and invest in the area suggests a collaborative effort is needed to ensure the walkway's long-term success.

The renovation of the Tuolop Walkway is more than just a cosmetic change; it's a statement about reclaiming a piece of the city for its people, turning an eyesore into a vibrant, safe, and beautiful urban space.