Puerto Rico launches $36M project to expand convention center district

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Officials in Puerto Rico are planning a $36 million project to help expand and revitalize the island's main convention center in the capital of San Juan.

Convention district director Victor Suarez says the project will feature nearly 250,000 square feet (23,300 square meters) of office and commercial space, as well as the construction of a Hyatt House hotel. Puerto Rico's convention center is currently the largest in the Caribbean and features a Sheraton hotel and casino.

Suarez said Tuesday that the project will be named the Puerto Rico World Trade Center Building.

Spokesman Angel Raul Matos said the project will not feature a memorial or have any ties to the former World Trade Center in New York, which was destroyed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.