New look for city center

[NewsWhore]

Santiago's city center certainly has a new look these days. There are 1,600 newly painted houses from the Republican Period (around the turn of the century), and 1,800 old-style street lamps aglow to illuminate the new sidewalks. While some sidewalks are still undergoing the makeover, most of the people who use the streets at different times of the evening are enjoying the new scenery. The tragic events of 12 December have delayed the official ribbon cutting ceremonies. Meanwhile, Santiago continues to lose part of its heritage, as a neoclassical structure on the corner of Espana and Restauracion streets was torn down over the holiday weekend, in total violation of existing regulations. Nonetheless, the Storekeepers Association is happy, since more people can now shop in the evenings thanks to the new lighting. One student who walks the main streets after classes are over told El Caribe reporter Miguel Ponce that "it is a nice sight. You think you are in a different country."

More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#8)