✓ verbatim from the press ◦ composed from multiple sources
São Paulo's courts suspended on Wednesday (27) the Boulevard São João project — known as the "São Paulo Times Square" — which planned to install four giant LED panels at the intersection of Ipiranga and São João avenues in downtown São Paulo. The preliminary injunction by judge Celina Kiyomi Toyoshima, from the 4th Public Treasury Court, was granted in a popular action filed by businessman Angelo Andrea Matarazzo and other plaintiffs, including the Institute of Architects of Brazil (IAB-SP). ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Processo nº: 1034356-34.2026.8.26.0053 Classe - Assunto Ação Popular - Ato Lesivo ao Patrimônio Artístico, Estético, Histórico ou Turístico Requerente: Angelo Andrea Matarazzo e outros Requerido: PREFEITURA MUNICIPAL DE SÃO PAULO e outros Juiz(a) de Direito: Dr(a). Celina Kiyomi Toyoshima São Paulo, 27 de maio de 2026."
The magistrate cited "the magnitude of the project, the impact on the region, as well as the potential damage to the entire population" as grounds for granting the injunction. The decision prohibits the start of construction, installations or interventions related to the project, including the installation of LED panels on the Cine Paris República, Herculano de Almeida, Galeria Sampa and New York buildings. It also suspends the mapped projections planned for the Independência II Building, where Bar Brahma operates. ◦
Press quotes (1)
"Considerando a magnitude do projeto, o impacto na região, bem como o potencial dano a toda a população, defiro por ora a liminar", diz a decisão. Segundo o texto, fica proibido o início das obras, assim como de instalações ou intervenções relacionadas ao projeto, incluindo a fixação, montagem ou instalação dos painéis de LED."
The project was announced in April by the administrations of mayor Ricardo Nunes (MDB) and governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans) in partnership with Fábrica de Bares, the company responsible for Bar Brahma. The proposal envisioned a private investment of R$ 42 million over three years to transform the intersection into an entertainment hub inspired by New York's Times Square, with closure of São João avenue to cars on weekends, shows and food fairs. ◦
Press quotes (1)
"Anunciado pelas gestões Nunes e Tarcísio em parceria com a Fábrica de Bares, dona do Bar Brahma, o Boulevard São João previa investimento privado de R$ 42 milhões para transformar o cruzamento histórico em um polo de entretenimento inspirado na Times Square de Nova York."
The project had been approved in March by the City's Urban Landscape Protection Commission (CPPU) — the body responsible for enforcing the Clean City Law, which since 2007 prohibits billboards and restricts advertising in the capital. Under the proposal, 70% of the screen content would be dedicated to cultural and institutional programming, while 30% could be used for brand advertising. The City Hall can appeal the decision. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"A CPPU é o órgão responsável pela aplicação da Lei Cidade Limpa, que desde 2007 proíbe outdoors e restringe outras modalidades de publicidade e poluição visual na capital paulista."
Judge Celina Kiyomi Toyoshima from the 4th Public Treasury Court of TJ-SP granted the injunction on May 27, 2026
The project planned four LED panels at the intersection of Ipiranga and São João avenues
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (3)
Angelo Andrea Matarazzo was the main author of the popular action
The Institute of Architects of Brazil (IAB-SP) participated as author of the action
The private investment would be R$ 42 million over three years
-
What were the specific legal grounds for the decision beyond the project's magnitude?
Why it's still unknown: The complete judicial decision is not available in the consulted sources, only excerpts cited by the press.
-
What technical documents must the City Hall present in response to the decision?
Why it's still unknown: The judge ordered the presentation of specific documents, but the complete list only appears partially in press coverage.
-
What was the specific vote or deliberation by CPPU that approved the project in March?
Why it's still unknown: Sources mention approval by the Urban Landscape Protection Commission in March, but do not detail the decision-making process.
-
How exactly would the project fit within the Clean City Law exceptions?
Why it's still unknown: Sources mention the project would use an instrument of exceptions through urban compensation, but do not explain the specific legal mechanism.