It’s been a month since our last update on construction of Paseo and Centrico, a new Mexican restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytan taking over the space previously occupied by Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar in the Downtown Disney District.
While not a lot has changed visually, some small changes have been added since our previous check-in.
Paseo and Centrico Construction
Back in June 2023, the outdoor bar area was completely demolished, making way for this new round steel structure.
Since our last update, a patch of dirt that was left exposed by the restaurant’s entrance has mostly been filled with concrete.
Looking to the opposite side, new wooden forms have appeared, likely to help support concrete as it sets after being poured.
Here, we can see new pipes have been laid in the center of the circular space, which will eventually be part of an outdoor seating area.
It is possible that these pipes could have been installed to prepare for a new outdoor bar space, though nothing has been confirmed.
More tan scrim has gone up over the second-floor railing that overlooks the construction site, with just one section in the center uncovered.
For now, the “Catal” sign remains on the side of the tower next to the construction site.
Lovepop and Pele still appear to be open, though their entrances directly face the construction walls.
From what we can tell, there are no visible changes to the round exterior, but crews were out and about, actively working on it during our visit.
Eventually, décor will be added to the Paseo and Centrico circular structure, as shown in the previously-released concept art below:
The Paseo and Centrico announcement stated:
The restaurant and central courtyard bar and dining area will offer guests a multi-sensory journey to the heart of Chef Gaytan’s homeland.
Downtown Disney District Reimaging
The Downtown Disney District reimagining is inspired by the mid-century space age look, which was popular in California during the 1950s and 60s, when Disneyland first opened.
This project has been ongoing for the last few years; however, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock announced this year an 18-month completion timeframe, which roughly sees the District embracing its fresh face by the end of 2024.
The Downtown Disney District Monorail station was also recently refurbished.
Other new outlets coming to the Downtown Disney District include the beloved Porto’s Bakery and a new permanent home for Earl of Sandwich. Currently, the sandwich shop sits in the former home of La Brea Bakery, which will be the site of Porto’s in the near future.
All of this work on the resort’s entertainment, shopping, and dining hub is merely one minuscule portion of larger plans connected to the DisneylandForward initiative — a multi-year public planning effort that seeks to map out the next thirty years of vision with the City of Anaheim and Orange County.
DisneylandForward primarily aims to obtain more flexibility for land the resort received approval to develop in the 1990s, ideally adding a mix of theme parks, hotels, retail, dining, and entertainment on the eastern and western edges of the resort. Currently, Disneyland has used less than half of the millions of square feet already approved for development, according to the Orange County Register. All plans stay within the existing 500-acre property in Anaheim with no physical expansion or additional acreage.
Most recently, the DisneylandForward documents were updated, sharing a variety of proposed uses for the allotted land, including a third gate space, a potential PeopleMover or Disney Skyliner guest transportation system, and more.
Are you excited to see the progression of construction for Paseo and Centrico? Do you miss Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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