Miramar (Santurce) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Miramar
Subbarrio
View of Miramar and Condado

Commonwealth	Puerto Rico
Municipality	San Juan
Barrio	Santurce
Area
• Total	.27 sq mi (0.7 km²)
• Land	.24 sq mi (0.6 km²)
• Water	.03 sq mi (0.08 km²)
Elevation	52 ft (16 m)
Population (2010)
• Total	4,412
• Density	18,383.3/sq mi (7,097.8/km²)
	Source: 2010 Census
Time zone	UTC−4 (AST)

Miramar is a lovely neighborhood in Santurce, a part of San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico. It's known for its beautiful Spanish-style homes, often with pretty patios and gardens. Imagine living in a place with so much history and charm!

Miramar's Rich History
Where is Miramar Located?
Miramar's Population
Life in Miramar Neighborhood
- Protecting Miramar's Future
- Important Places in Miramar
Images for kids
See also

Miramar's Rich History

San Juan electric tram in Miramar on the Carretera Central, now Ponce de León Avenue

Miramar is located in Santurce, which is part of the municipality of San Juan. Its story goes back to the 1500s. Back then, it was a spring that provided water to the Spanish outpost of Old San Juan.

Miramar During the Battle of San Juan

In 1797, Miramar was an important spot during the Battle of San Juan. This battle was part of a bigger war between Britain and Spain. British forces tried to attack the Spanish city of San Juan from Miramar, but they were not successful.

Growth and Development

In the 1600s, a wide public road called the Central Highway was built through Miramar. This road is now known as Ponce de León Avenue. Because goods from the port of San Juan had to pass through Miramar, the area became a busy center for trade. Today, two sets of bridges, San Antonio and Dos Hermanos, connect Miramar to nearby areas like Old San Juan and Condado.

Miramar has always been known for its large, beautiful homes. In the 1950s, famous architects designed many grand houses here. These homes are still well-preserved today.

Historic Buildings in Miramar

Miramar is home to several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include:

Casa Aboy-Lompré: This cultural center became a historic building in 1989. It focuses on preserving and creating photographic art.
Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel: This chapel was declared a historic building in 1984.

Where is Miramar Located?

Miramar is in the northwestern part of Santurce. To its west, you'll find Isla Grande, where the Puerto Rico Convention Center is located. To the north are Baldorioty de Castro Boulevard and the beautiful Condado Lagoon. The neighborhoods of Alto del Cabro and Gandul are to the east, and Hoare Street is to the south.

Miramar's Population

US 2010 Census map of Subdivisions, Subbarrios, and Places of San Juan in Puerto Rico

According to the 2010 United States Census, Miramar had a population of 4,412 people. This means about 18,383 people lived in each square mile of land.

Life in Miramar Neighborhood

Historic home in Miramar

Miramar is a special residential area where many middle to upper-class families live. It's known for its quiet streets and large, old shade trees. You can still find many historic homes here, including some designed in the Prairie School style by the famous architect Antonin Nechodoma. Miramar's amazing architecture is now protected by law, as it has been named a historic district of Puerto Rico. The government has even passed a law calling Miramar a Historic Town!

Protecting Miramar's Future

The Miramar Residents Association has worked hard to protect their neighborhood. They've won important legal cases that have helped define building rules and ensure sustainable development. For example, they stopped the Justice Department of Puerto Rico from expanding into historic lots. They also successfully halted the construction of a four-lane expressway that would have harmed the environment and the historic feel of the town.

Instead of the highway, a new "green" plan was proposed. This plan includes a light rail program called SaTour. This program is part of a bigger plan to make San Juan a "Walkable City." When it's finished, Miramar will have a direct train connection to other areas like Hato Rey, Guaynabo, and Bayamón through the Tren Urbano system.

Important Places in Miramar

Miramar is home to many important and interesting places:

Academia del Perpetuo Socorro: A Catholic school for boys and girls.
Puerto Rico Convention Center: A large center for events and meetings.
Isla Grande Airport: A smaller airport.
Pan-American Cruise Pier: Where large cruise ships dock.
Club Nautico: A luxurious harbor for yachts.
Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music: A famous music school.

Miramar is also very close to other popular spots. It's only two miles from Old San Juan, three miles from the shopping area of Condado, and four miles from the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.