Q Studios, ARB26 and Connect Square: Three Downtown Launches Compared
If you are looking at downtown Rio (Centro) as an investment, you have probably come across these three names: Q Studios, ARB26 and Connect Square. They are the most relevant launches in the area right now, and each has a different profile. Here they are side by side.
| Criteria | Q Studios | ARB26 | Connect Square |
|---|---|---|---|
| Address | 23 Quitanda St. | 26 Rio Branco Ave. | 429 Graça Aranha Ave. |
| Developer | Canopus | WPX | Patrimar |
| Unit type | Studios | 1 bedroom | Studios and apts. |
| Sizes | 30 to 38 m² | 26.94 to 43.50 m² | 24 to 60 m² |
| From | R$ 350,000 | R$ 263,000 | R$ 279,000 |
| Highlights | Rooftop pool, coworking, podcast room, wellness area | Art Deco Streamline architecture, rooftop pool, gourmet lounge, gym | Rooftop pool bar, rental management by Lobie |
| Location | Next to Praça XV | Between Candelária and Praça Mauá | Opposite the Menezes Côrtes terminal |
"From" prices are taken from the launch price lists and are subject to change and unit availability. 1 m² ≈ 10.8 sq ft.
Q Studios: for those who want full amenities and remote work
With units from 30 m² to 38 m² and features such as coworking, a podcast room and a wellness area (saunas and a contrast therapy circuit), Q Studios targets buyers who want a studio that works both for living and for working from home, plus short-term rental potential thanks to its location near Praça XV and the historic center.
ARB26: the lowest entry price, with its own architectural identity
ARB26 has the lowest entry price of the three (from R$ 263,000) and a strong visual identity: an Art Deco Streamline facade on one of the most symbolic addresses of Rio Branco Avenue. For buyers who put entry cost first and value a building with architectural personality, it is the standout option.
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Connect Square: the largest units and simplified management
With studios and apartments of up to 60 m², the largest of the three, Connect Square suits buyers who want a bit more space without leaving downtown. Developed by Patrimar Engenharia on Graça Aranha Avenue, opposite the Menezes Côrtes bus terminal, it offers a rooftop pool bar and rental management by Lobie, a plus for anyone who wants less hands-on work with short-term rentals.
How to choose between the three
- If entry price is your top priority: ARB26
- If you want full amenities and space to work remotely: Q Studios
- If you want more space and simplified rental management: Connect Square
In any case, check whether the Reviver Centro ITBI exemption applies to the unit: it depends on the type of project and the address, and the program rules changed in 2026. We explain the details in Reviver Centro: what it is and how it works.
All three are good developments, but "good" does not mean "the same". The decision is rarely about which one is objectively better: it is about which unit profile, price and amenities fit your plan (living, long-term rental or Airbnb). We always recommend reading the full specification sheet before deciding, not just the size and list price.
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In a conversation of about 20 minutes we can review:
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Frequently asked questions
Which of the three has the lowest entry price?
ARB26, with one-bedroom apartments from R$ 263,000 (26.94 m²).
Which of the three has the largest units?
Connect Square, with units of up to 60 m², followed by Q Studios, with studios of up to 38 m².
Do all three have the Reviver Centro ITBI tax exemption?
You cannot assume so without checking each one. The exemption under Law 8,104/2023 applies to the first buyer of units in buildings converted to residential use (or with a change of use), within the sectors defined by the law, and the program rules changed in 2026. Connect Square is marketed as part of Reviver Centro; for Q Studios and ARB26, we recommend written confirmation from the developer or from us.
Which of the three is best for Airbnb?
It depends on what matters most to you. ARB26 tends to have the highest estimated percentage yield thanks to its lower price; Q Studios has the most complete amenities, which help the listing; and Connect Square comes with rental management by Lobie, which reduces the day-to-day work.
About Rio Living Studios
Rio Living Studios specializes in studio apartments for real estate investment in Rio de Janeiro. We help investors and buyers find developments that match their profile, using market data, location analysis and appreciation potential.