Mariano Coronas Castro

While a student at the School of Architecture of the University of Puerto Rico he wins first prize at a contest for the design of the torch (pebetero) for the Eighth Pan American Games.  In 1980, after completing his Master’s Degree in Architecture, he starts a doctorate degree in architecture at the Polytechnic University in Madrid. In 1985, upon his return to Puerto Rico, he is designated by Governor Rafael Hernández Colón as Director of the State Historic Preservation Office ascribed to the Office of the Governor. His duties included the rehabilitation of the Ballajá Ward in Old San Juan on the occasion of the Fifth Centennial Celebration of the Discovery of America and restoration works at the La Real Fortaleza de Santa Catalina Palace, among other historic preservation projects.  In 1992, he designs and administers a work plan for the Executive Municipal Board of Urbanism at the Carolina Municipality.  Between 1993 and 2000, he is named Administrator of the Yagüez Theatre and of the Department of Art and Culture of the Municipality of Mayagüez, and subsequently acts as advisor to the mayor in the fields of urbanism, architecture and historic preservation. He also advices the mayor of the Municipality of Río Grande between 2004 and 2008 on related issues.  In 2000 he is designated by the Supreme Court, Ponce Room, as Special Commissioner for the “Ponce en Marcha” Project judicial case.