Centro Gran Caribe–originally called Plaza Caribe Mall— opened its doors on November 19, 1987 at Road 2 km 29.7 in Vega Alta and featured some 50 stores, in addition to its “junior anchors” Tiendas Capri and Supermercados Amigo, plus various restaurants and professional offices.

On November 23, 1999, Centro Gran Caribe inaugurated its expansion, including a bridge that crosses Road 676 and joins the north and south sections of the shopping center. The enclosed bridge features glass walls and has a number of retail pushcartss and entertainment equipment.

Centro Gran Caribe’s south wing features a  Kmart anchor store, the 11,261-square-foot Gran Store, 40 additional stores and El Palmar Food Court, which includes innovative architectural details. In addition, there are seven Caribbean Cinema theaters next to El Palmar Food Court.

As a whole, Centro Gran Caribe shopping mall has 420,000 square feet of retail space, over 100 stores, modern architecture featuring high ceilings and skylights, over 2,000 parking spaces and 24-hour security service.