The Praça Onze area in Rio de Janeiro, known for its historical significance to samba culture, is set for significant urban reform, aiming to improve its poor social indicators and transform the space with new housing and communal facilities.
The City Hall of Rio de Janeiro, led by Mayor Eduardo Paes, has announced an extensive urban reform plan for the neighborhoods of Cidade Nova, Estácio de Sá, and Catumbi, targeting the areas around the historically significant Praça Onze, which has the worst social indicators in the city. This area, rich in early 20th-century architecture, was previously altered in the 1940s to make way for the Presidente Vargas Avenue, a project initiated by then-President Getúlio Vargas. Subsequent changes, such as the construction of elevated roadways, further disrupted the neighborhood's historical fabric.
Mayor Paes's plan involves the demolition of the viaduct alongside the sambódromo, which is expected to clear the area for new development. The proposed redevelopment includes building up to 4,000 residential units, along with commercial spaces, a hotel, and a public library on the newly available land. Additionally, plans to create an underground passage and a dedicated road for vehicles are set to improve traffic flow, alleviating congestion in the area.
The revitalization of Praça Onze aims not only to enhance urban infrastructure but also to integrate the cultural significance of samba by removing barriers around the sambódromo, allowing it to become a more public space for fairs and leisure activities. This initiative reflects a broader goal of transforming traditionally marginalized areas in Rio, addressing their poor social indicators, and restoring their cultural heritage.
