A. M. 
The revitalization of San Salvador’s Historic Center continues to gain momentum. In january 2026, the Historic Center Authority received nearly US$9 million in investment applications that are already in process, anticipating new restored buildings and development projects in the area, reported its Director General, Adriana Larín.
During a television interview, Larín explained that these funds correspond to private initiatives that are progressing through different administrative stages and reflect the business sector’s confidence in the recovery process of the capital’s heart. “We continue to make progress in attracting private investment, and this, in turn, is generating economic benefits and creating jobs in both the construction and service sectors”, she said.
The official explained that dynamism is not limited to new projects, but also includes recent openings. So far this year, establishments such as Donkeys, Bom Bom, and LacaLaca, among other businesses, have opened, adding to the downtown’s commercial and gastronomic offerings. Nearly 40 openings were recorded in 2025 alone, a figure that increases when considering the restorations and renovations undertaken directly by property owners.
As part of the comprehensive revitalization strategy, the institution is also developing a facade restoration program in partnership with Sherwin Williams, a company that has donated paint to restore buildings of historical value. This initiative seeks to preserve the downtown’s architectural identity and improve the urban landscape for both domestic and international visitors.
Larín also noted that the Historic Center Authority is working to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness through training and scholarships for employees of businesses, with an emphasis on learning other languages, in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism. Simultaneously, a digital project is being promoted to help businesses adopt technological tools that improve their management and service quality.
According to the director, the combination of private investment, heritage restoration, and strengthening of human capital consolidates the Historic Center as a hub for economic and tourism development, with a direct impact on job creation and San Salvador’s international profile.
You can also read:
