Panama City's Historic Casco Viejo Undergoes Significant Urban Revival Amidst Gentrification Concerns
Panama City's Casco Viejo, a district founded in the 17th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a neglected area into a fashionable address. Colonial townhouses, French-influenced mansions, and art deco facades have been converted into boutique hotels, craft breweries, and rooftop bars, attracting tourists and investment. A notable example is the American Trade Hotel, which once served as a base for a notorious gang but is now one of the capital's finest hotels. This revival, however, stands in stark contrast to the neighboring areas of Santa Ana and El Chorrillo. These districts, which were heavily impacted by the 1989 U.S. invasion to topple General Manuel Noriega's military dictatorship and subsequently became no-go zones due to gang activity, have not seen the same level of investment. While Casco Viejo benefited from UNESCO status and subsequent investment, Santa Ana and El Chorrillo are now working on community-led initiatives to uplift their nei... 
