For over a century the narrow Calle Atocha was bustling retail center opened to vehicular traffic,[1] yet flooded with shoppers.

This last segment coincides with the western perimeter of the historic Plaza de Mercado Isabel II city market.

It is visited annually by thousands of locals and tourists alike and is considered one of the city’s main places of interest.

[10] In an attempt to make the downtown area more friendly to tourists and businesses, the City planned to install a reinforced crystal ceiling and air-conditioning system over the Paseo.

At the same time, officials hope that it will draw new people to the area, allowing businesses to extend their hours of operation, and thereby boosting the downtown economy and stimulating nightlife.