Part of working towards sustainability is finding new uses for old things.

When our team heard that our French friend Julia Berard wanted to open a coffee shop in Torio but had been struggling to find a commercial space, we knew that we had to make it happen. While we didn't have anything ready to move in, we did have the infrastructure of an old warehouse which had previously been used to house Ludvig's flying machine (more on that in another article).

A little coat of paint, some changes in wall divisions, plants and the determination to see this project come to life were all it took to give a tired warehouse a facelift and birth Torio's favorite breakfast corner: EL CAFÉ JULIA, a place to stop for sweets, specialty coffee and a chat with old and new friends alike.

Once we saw how much people liked spending time in the area, we decided to continue the renovations by fixing another corner of the warehouse and turning it into our new Yoga Studio / Multipurpose room. Today it features a beautiful mural, huge mirrors and a burgeoning collection of plants, and is available for events and any kind of activity. Recently, local massage therapist Carlota, our neighbor from Palo Seco has been using the space to offer weekly massages in Torio Plaza.

Another corner of the same warehouse started undergoing renovations in early May. AMAZILIA Soap Lab, is almost near construction. Amazilia is a local artisan soap company, established in 2013 by Melissa and Jean Carlos, a mixed Panamanian and Canadian couple. Their soap company was previously based in Santiago, and recently relocated to Torio. When finished, the soap lab will include a small store where the soaps and other gift items will be available for purchase. AMAZILIA is the first artisan company to relocate to Torio – in the future, we hope to see many high quality goods produced in Torio.

Finally, LA CHANTIN will be reopening this season, in its new location in Torio Plaza, between El Café Julia and Amazilia. La Chantin is Torio's newest seasonal restaurant. Housed last year at the former Shaka Bar, this season will see a new twist on the loved concept. Fresh ingredients, tropical influence and good vibes all around are what you can expect at La Chantin (meaning The House in Panamanian slang). Stay tuned!

From one abandoned warehouse to a brand new plaza, with 4 commercial businesses and a beautiful patio, complete with plants, outside bathroom and fairy lights. When you use what you have, you learn to think creatively and use resources efficiently and see opportunity and potential instead of limitations.