Lofts Breathe New Life Into Historic Five Points Building

By Armando Landin     

The historic Five Points neighborhood in Central El Paso has seen a steady resurgence in recent years, and a recently completed renovation project is adding loft apartments to the mix.

Left: Stairs lead to the street level entrance of the Stevens Block 3 Lofts in Central El Paso. Right: A newly renovated loft space still includes historic touches such as exposed brick. (Courtesy Hiett, Pharr & Associates)

Stevens Block 3 Lofts are now open at 801 North Piedras Street on the second level of the historic Stevens Building, built in 1921.

Cabela's Coming to West El Paso

A Cabela's location could be the first tenant revealed for the upcoming West Towne Marketplace in El Paso, according to City permits.

The store would span 48,305 square feet, giving it a smaller footprint relative to other Cabela's locations.

Whole Foods Market Opens in El Paso

Whole Foods has opened its first El Paso store, a long awaited addition to the Sun City's grocery lineup.

El Paso's first Whole Foods Market opened October 19, 2016, on the city's West Side. (Whole Foods El Paso)

The store, located at 100 Pitt Street on the West Side, spans 50,000 square feet and includes a restaurant, garden beds to grow produce on site, and a community room that can be used for yoga, cooking classes, and meetings.

Topgolf to Open at Montecillo in El Paso

By Armando Landin     

The City is on the brink of signing a deal with Topgolf to open a sports entertainment venue in El Paso. City Council will consider approving an incentives agreement at its next meeting.

From top left: The exterior facade of an existing Topgolf facility; Hitting bays include seating for several people and are climate controlled; A rooftop terrace at an existing location; A wide view of hitting bays and outfield targets. (City of El Paso)

According to City documents, Topgolf is planning a $15.7 million facility that will be located at the Montecillo smart growth development in West El Paso.

Express Store Opens at Outlets September 15

By Armando Landin
   
The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso is adding another retailer to its lineup. An Express Factory Outlet store will open at the mall on Thursday, September 15, 2016, at 10:00 a.m.

This will be the clothing chain's fourth store in the Sun City, but its first outlet store. The others are located at Sunland Park Mall, Cielo Vista Mall, and Bassett Place.

Avalon West: Phase One of New Desert Pass Development

By Armando Landin
 
A new project featuring apartment homes in West El Paso is the first part of a multi-phase development bringing residential and commercial uses to a long-vacant area off of Interstate 10 and Resler Drive.

The Avalon West apartment community is the first project to open along Desert Pass Street, a new area between Remcon Circle and Resler Drive in West El Paso. (Courtesy Maria Nuzzo/Bohannon Development)

Avalon West, an apartment community that will be built in two phases, officially opened its doors on July 22, 2016.

Dental School to Open at Texas Tech El Paso Campus

The Texas Tech University Health Science Center (TTUHSC) in El Paso has announced a new addition to its campus, a new dental school that will open in the coming years.

The school is made possible thanks to a $25 million donation from the Hunt Family Foundation, though additional fundraising will be necessary to reach the final price tag, expected to cost over $50 million.

Artspace El Paso Lofts Now Accepting Applications

By Armando Landin

Artspace officials are now accepting applications, effective September 1, 2016, from those interested in securing a spot in the Artspace El Paso Lofts.

A rendering of the upcoming Artspace El Paso Lofts, scheduled to open in November in Downtown El Paso. (Artspace)

Applications will be considered on a first come, first served basis and can be submitted at the El Paso Community Foundation during regular business hours, located at 333 North Oregon Street in Downtown El Paso.

Work Progresses on El Paso Streetcar Rehabilitation

By Armando Landin
 
The vehicles that will be used for the upcoming streetcar project, currently under construction, will use the same bodies as those seen on city streets decades ago in El Paso.

The color scheme El Pasoans will see on streetcars once they make their return to Downtown streets in late 2018. (CRRMA)

And now we're getting a peek at the rehabilitation process for those streetcars taking place thousands of miles away.

Designs Revealed for New $85M UTEP Building

By Armando Landin
 
The public is getting a look at what a new research building will look like at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) once it's completed.

The proposed exterior design for the Interdisciplinary Research Building at the University of Texas at El Paso. (UTEP)

New renderings are available showing the exterior design and proposed landscaping for the Interdisciplinary Research Building (IDRB) which will be constructed at the western edge of the current campus.

Take a Look at Planned Westside Pool Facility

The City of El Paso is holding another community meeting for the upcoming Westside Pool, and new renderings have been released showing the latest design.

The new Westside Pool in El Paso should open by January 2018, as seen in this rendering. (City of El Paso)

The facility will include an Olympic-size indoor pool located within a 35,980 square foot building, located at 650 Wallenberg Drive.

Kate Spade New York, Bath & Body Works Headed to 'Fountains'

A Kate Spade New York store may be headed to the Fountains at Farah in East El Paso. Recently filed construction permits indicate a store will open up at the center. It will be its first location in the Sun City.

Job openings have also been posted at career websites indicating open spots for store managers and "muses," what the company calls its sales associates, all but confirming a store is in the works. No official announcement has been made, and no opening date is available.

32-Acre Mixed Use Center Planned for West El Paso

By Armando Landin
 
A new 32-acre shopping center is planned for Northwest El Paso and could be the first along the Transmountain corridor west of the Franklin Mountains.

Four restaurants surround a plaza in this rendering of the Legacy at Cimarron, a "mixed-use" development planned for West El Paso. (ESmith Legacy/RJL Real Estate)

The Legacy at Cimarron is billing itself as a mixed-use community that will offer space for retail shops, restaurants, and office uses. It also includes two hotels, with a total of 228 rooms.

Columbia Sportswear Opens at Outlet Shoppes

The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso has added another retailer to its lineup. Columbia Sportswear is now open at the center in Northwest El Paso.

Columbia Sportswear is now open at the Outlet Shoppes at El Paso, joining a North Face store that opened earlier this year. (Horizon Group Properties)

The store opened August 19, 2016, and is offering discounts throughout their grand opening weekend. This includes 25% off and a complementary tote bag. A $500 gift card will also be raffled off.

Downtown Arena Aims for 2020 Opening

By Armando Landin
 
The Downtown Arena in El Paso could open in early 2020, according to a contract the City will consider next week.

The Downtown 2015 Plan for El Paso (announced in 2006) envisioned a multipurpose arena with nearby hotel, retail, and restaurant uses, as seen in this concept drawing. (Downtown 2015 Plan)

The El Paso City Council is set to consider approving a "Owner’s Representative Services" contract for the $180 million Downtown Arena that would essentially assign a management company to the project.

This contract includes managing the Arena project through all of its phases, officially known as the Multi-Purpose Cultural and Performing Arts Center. This includes site selection, choosing the design team, and overseeing construction.

See New Renderings of the Eastside Regional Park's Rec Center

By Armando Landin

One of the largest projects planned for the Eastside Regional Park in El Paso will be the recreation center/natatorium that will sit on the park's southern side.

The recreation center at the Eastside Regional Park in El Paso will include a competition-ready pool, a gymnasium, and various activity rooms. (In*Situ Architecture)

As planning for the park ramps up, we're getting a better look at the recreation center through renderings posted by the center's architect.

New Details Emerge for Montecillo Town Center

By Armando Landin   

A greater number of apartments and less street retail space are some of the details discovered in recent renderings and leasing listings for the Montecillo Town Center, the smart growth development currently under construction in West El Paso.

Retail and mixed-use buildings surround a plaza at the future Montecillo Town Center, currently under construction on El Paso's West Side. (EPT Communities)

As vertical construction nears, we're getting a clearer picture of the final layout for the buildings that will make up the Town Center and the form those buildings will take.

Artspace Lofts Applications Available August 15th

Several Application Workshops Also Scheduled

By Armando Landin

Residents interested in applying for a live/work unit at the upcoming Artspace Lofts can pick up an application beginning next week through the El Paso Community Foundation.

The Artspace El Paso Lofts, currently under construction Downtown, will release applications to potential residents beginning August 15, 2016. (Artspace)

Artspace officials will hold an "Application Release Celebration" on August 15, 2016, at Cafe Mayapan from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., located at 2000 Texas Avenue, east of Downtown El Paso.

Approved Plan Includes Over 1,000 Miles of Bike Lanes

By Armando Landin   

City Council has approved the final Comprehensive Bike Plan for El Paso that could add nearly 1,000 miles of bike lanes throughout the Sun City.

This "heat map" shows the demand for bike lanes throughout El Paso, from the recently adopted Comprehensive Bike Plan. (City of El Paso)

The plan includes recommendations for which streets around El Paso should have bike lanes added, and the types of bike lanes they should get. It contains an extensive atlas for each area of town.

P.F. Chang's Opens August 29th at 'Fountains'

By Armando Landin
 
Another restaurant option is opening soon at the Fountains at Farah in East El Paso. P.F. Chang's China Bistro will open in late August at the shopping center.

P.F. Chang's will open August 29, 2016, at the Fountains at Farah in East El Paso, the third restaurant opening in August at the center. (Fountains at Farah)

According to the restaurant chain's website, the grand opening is scheduled for August 29, 2016, on the Promenade level of the Fountains.

See Before and After Street Views of Major El Paso Projects

By Armando Landin

Apartment rental site RENTCafé has compiled a series of eleven before and after Street View images of major projects in El Paso.

This screenshot shows an image slider at the RENTCafé website that allows El Pasoans to see the Street View from the same spot and how it's changed from 2007 to 2015. Here, the Venue at Montecillo apartment buildings line Mesa Street in the newer image. (RENTCafé)

The sliders on the images at the site allow El Pasoans to view the changing streetscape by dragging the arrow bars left and right. The right side of each image depicts the Street View in 2007 while the left side shows the same spot in 2015.

Northgate Transfer Center Breaks Ground August 12th

By Armando Landin   

The long-awaited Northgate Transfer Center project will break ground August 12, 2016, marking the beginning of construction for the anchor of the Metro 31 transit oriented development.

The planned Northgate Transfer Center in Northeast El Paso will have an official groundbreaking ceremony on August 12, 2016. (City of El Paso)

The $10.6 million transfer center, located at 9347 Diana Drive in Northeast El Paso, will include a park and ride garage and an enclosed waiting area with nearby ticketing areas. A large, outdoor pedestrian plaza is also planned.

$15M North Loop Apartments Break Ground

By Armando Landin   

The developer of a brand new apartment complex in El Paso's Lower Valley broke ground last week on the $15 million project that will provide more housing options to residents in the area.

Executives of WestStar Bank and Exigo Architecture are joined by City Representative Claudia Ordaz (second from right) and North Loop Apartments president Hamilton Peck (third from right) at recent groundbreaking for the $15 million residential project in El Paso's Lower Valley. (ZTEX Construction)

This marks the start of construction on the North Loop Apartments which will bring 214 units to a vacant lot near the intersection of North Loop Drive and Loop 375/Americas Avenue.

Holiday Inn Express Planned for Northeast El Paso

By Armando Landin

Plans are underway to bring a Holiday Inn Express to Northeast El Paso. The four-story hotel is planned for a property along Gateway South Boulevard.

According to preliminary plans filed with the City of El Paso, the hotel will include 85 rooms with a total area of 54,160 square feet.

Montecillo Teases Home Buying Options

By Armando Landin   

As the Montecillo smart growth community's progress moves slowly but surely to the west, its home-buying options are getting a little clearer.

A group of "Spanish" townhomes in this rendering line a street at the Montecillo development in West El Paso. (EPT Communities)

Construction should begin soon in an area that will be comprised of townhomes and single family homes not too far from the existing apartment buildings just off of Mesa Street in West El Paso.

New 23-Acre East Side Park Previewed in Video

By Armando Landin   

The design of a 23-acre park slated for East El Paso has been teased in a video post by the City's Capital Improvement Program.

Argal Park in East El Paso will include two large grass areas, for soccer and multi-purpose use. (City of El Paso/Sites Southwest)

Argal Park at Las Palmas will be constructed at the corner of Pendale Road and Rojas Drive as part of the 2012 Quality of Life projects approved by voters.

Bricktown Tap House, Candle Boutique Now Open at 'Fountains'

By Armando Landin   

Two new additions to the Fountains at Farah lineup in East El Paso have now opened. Bricktown Tap House and The Candle Boutique both opened August 1, 2016, at the shopping center.

Bricktown Tap House & Kitchen is now open at the Fountains at Farah in East El Paso. (Fountains at Farah)

Bricktown Tap House & Kitchen has opened in the Promenade section of the Fountains, the Main Street-like lifestyle area of the center, adjacent to Chuy's Mexican Food.

Plaza Hotel Renovations Moving Forward

Update: Work on the Plaza Hotel should start after renovations to the nearby Hotel Paso del Norte begin, according to the El Paso Inc. story. The tentative sale and planned renovation of the Paso del Norte has convinced Paul Foster that the Plaza Hotel project will now be viable.

Original Story:

The vacant Plaza Hotel tower in Downtown El Paso could soon see activity related to its long-awaited renovation.

The vacant Plaza Hotel in Downtown El Paso will proceed with renovations to return it to its glory days as a hotel, shown at left in this rendering. The Mills Building is to the right with the Hotel Paso del Norte in the background. (Mills Plaza Properties)

The El Paso County Historical Commission indicated on its Facebook page over the weekend that businessman Paul Foster has announced the project will proceed.

Ruth's Chris Steak House Opens August 15th at 'Fountains'

El Paso's first Ruth's Chris Steak House location will open August 15, 2016, at the Fountains at Farah shopping center.

Ruth's Chris Steak House will open August 15 at the Fountains at Farah in East El Paso. (Fountains at Farah)

Ruth's Chris made the announcement on its website and will be open for dinner every day of the week, including major holidays.

Downtown El Paso Alive with Investment

A Comprehensive List of Downtown Projects   

By Armando Landin   

A couple of years back, it was the hope of City officials that a new baseball stadium and other Quality of Life projects would breathe new life into Downtown revitalization efforts and spur private investment in El Paso's largely-ignored center.

Downtown El Paso is seeing a clear surge of investment with private and public projects spread throughout the area. 

The Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas are now in their third season, and two short years after Southwest University Park opened its gates on the site of the former City Hall, signs of burgeoning investment are becoming clear.

First Spray Park Opens July 30th

By Armando Landin  

The first of eight planned spray parks throughout El Paso will open this weekend on the Northeast side of the city.

A large water bucket tips over at the Sue Young spray park in Northeast El Paso. The spray park will open July 30, 2016 and is free to the public. (City of El Paso)

A grand opening event is planned for the spray park at Sue Young Park, located at 9730 Diana Drive, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will include food, music, and family activities.

Border Highway Tolls Could Be Ending

By Armando Landin

Drivers on the Cesar Chavez Border Highway in El Paso's Lower Valley could see the tolled third lane become a free lane in the coming years. That's according to recent moves by the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (CRRMA).

The Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority is in talks with State officials to remove tolls from the inner lane of the Cesar Chavez Border Highway in El Paso. (CRRMA)

The CRRMA has directed staff to proceed with a plan that would eventually remove tolls from the nine-mile stretch of Loop 375 between US-54 and the Zaragoza Port of Entry along the United States/Mexico border.

West El Paso Tower Approved by City Council

By Armando Landin   

City Council has unanimously approved a rezoning change that will allow the 22-story Shadow Mountain development in West El Paso to proceed.

The City of El Paso has approved the 22-story Shadow Mountain mixed use project on the West Side. (Meyers Group)

In a special meeting held solely to consider the project on July 19, 2016, City Representatives heard from members of the community on both sides of the issue, those supporting and those opposed to the tower.

Canyons at Cimarron Bringing 'Casual Lifestyle' Shopping Center to West El Paso

By Armando Landin   

A new, "casual lifestyle" shopping center is headed to West El Paso and will be located in the Cimarron master planned community.

This rendering depicts one of the "Main Street" areas of the future Canyons at Cimarron, planned for West El Paso. (EP Riverbend Development)

The Canyons at Cimarron will be an open air, walkable center which will include 92,000 square feet of space for retail, restaurant, and office uses.

Access to Bridge of the Americas from Paisano May be Removed

By Armando Landin

Commuters who use Paisano Drive to get to the Bridge of the Americas Port of Entry may have to find a new route in the coming years. New construction plans show that ramps to the bridge could be removed as part of the I-10 Connect project.

This rendering shows proposed changes to Paisano Drive that would limit or remove access to the Bridge of the Americas in Central El Paso. (Texas Department of Transportation)

That's according to a Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) newsletter which shows major changes to the Paisano Drive/Bridge traffic interchange. 

Artspace Holding Info, Meet & Greet Sessions

By Armando Landin

Residents interested in moving into the Artspace Lofts in Downtown El Paso will have two opportunities next week to get information on how to apply.

The Artspace El Paso Lofts, shown in this rendering, will open this fall, and officials are holding community meetings to provide information on the building and living at the lofts. (Artspace)

Officials will hold an Info Session on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at Cafe Mayapan from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Artspace Staff will be on hand providing information on living in the building, the application process, and the project timeline.

$70M Camino Real Hotel Renovation Plan Announced

City officials have unveiled a plan to renovate the historic Hotel Paso del Norte in Downtown El Paso. The City is formalizing an agreement with Meyers Group of Florida and Two Sabes LLC of El Paso to perform the renovation.

Plans are underway to renovate the historic Hotel Paso del Norte in Downtown El Paso, currently operating as a Camino Real Hotel. (Camino Real El Paso)

In a joint effort, the two developers will embark on a $70 million project to turn the hotel, currently operating under the Camino Real brand, into the premier Downtown convention hotel. The developers will receive City, County, and State incentives if the deal is approved.

Update: City Postpones Vote on West Side Tower

Update: The El Paso City Council has postponed a vote on the Shadow Mountain development, stating the rezoning application will be considered in one week. City Council no longer holds weekly meetings, so it's unclear if the City will hold a special meeting or actually means the vote will be postponed until the next regular meeting on July 29, 2016. We will update the date of the vote when it is official.

Original Story:

Monday, July 11, 2016

El Paso City Representatives will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow a 22-story tower to go up on the West Side. City Council will vote on a rezoning request at its biweekly meeting.

The El Paso City Council will decide the fate of the proposed 22-story Shadow Mountain tower at its July 11, 2016 meeting. The existing Coronado Tower is to the right. (Meyers Group)

The project, located at 201 Shadow Mountain Drive, just east of the Sunland Park Drive and Mesa Street intersection, requires a General Mixed Use zone to allow for hotel, residential, and retail uses within the same building.

Johnny Rockets Headed to Cielo Vista Mall

By Armando Landin   

Another Johnny Rockets location will be opening soon in El Paso, this one at Cielo Vista Mall on the East Side.

According to a Cielo Vista Mall retailer update, the new restaurant will open in a 2,147 square foot upper level spot near Sears.

Northgate Transit Project To Break Ground Soon

The City of El Paso will vote Tuesday on awarding a contract for the construction of the Northgate Transfer Center, signalling that work should begin in the coming weeks.

Construction on the Northgate Transfer Center in Northeast El Paso should begin in the coming weeks. (City of El Paso)

Northgate's transit terminal is the first part of the larger Metro 31 transit oriented development planned in Northeast El Paso.

'Extreme Makeover' for New El Paso County 911 Center

A project is underway to renovate a new location for the El Paso County Regional Communications Command Center and is being described as an "extreme makeover" by the contractor.

A rendering of what the renovated El Paso County 911 District building will look like once completed. The renovated warehouse will be located in Northeast El Paso. (Sundt)

The El Paso County 911 District will use the renovated building as a "redundant" site to support existing 911 infrastructure. The existing warehouse is located at the corner of Railroad Drive and Threadgill Avenue in Northeast El Paso.

New Westside Tower Stirs Up Opposing Views

By Armando Landin

Supporters of a proposed 22-story tower in West El Paso have set up a Facebook page and online petition that urges City Council to approve the ambitious project unveiled in April.

Shadow Mountain Tower would rise 22-stories in West El Paso, as seen in this rendering. City Council will consider approving the project in the coming weeks. (Meyers Group)

Meanwhile, opponents have also setup an online petition calling for the City to deny the required zoning change for the project unless the height of the tower is lowered or it is moved to Downtown El Paso.

Artspace El Paso Lofts to Open November 2016

Construction is ongoing at the Artspace Lofts site in Downtown El Paso, and residents will be able to move in as soon as November.

This rendering shows what the Artspace El Paso Lofts will look like once completed, scheduled to open in November in Downtown El Paso. (Artspace/HHL Architects)

According to the official website, Artspace will begin taking resident applications on September 1, 2016 from those interested in living in one of the lofts. Officials hope to have the apartments ready for occupancy by mid- to late-November.

See I-10 Connect Options in Video Visualization

By Armando Landin   

The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) is highlighting the four "alternatives" to fixing missing connections between Interstate 10 and Loop 375 in Central El Paso, and residents can see the options the State is considering in a video visualization.

The proposed I-10 Connect project in El Paso will add direct connections between Interstate 10 and Loop 375 in and around the Spaghetti Bowl. Seen here is Alternative 1. (TXDOT)

Transportation officials want to create direct connections from Interstate 10 at the Spaghetti Bowl to Loop 375 (Border Highway) eastbound and vice versa.

Cielo Vista Mall Officials Tight-Lipped on Expansion Delay

By Armando Landin   

Officials with Cielo Vista Mall aren't offering any details as to why a previously announced expansion has been delayed.

Rendering of the proposed expansion to Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso. (Simon Property Group)

A representative with Simon Property Group indicates they "continue to work on plans for the expansion of Cielo Vista Mall," but have no additional updates. Simon owns and operates the mall, located in East El Paso at Interstate 10 and Hawkins Boulevard.

'Urban' Hotel Planned at Montecillo Development

By Armando Landin   

El Pasoans are getting and updated look at the Montecillo smart growth development on the West Side, which includes possible future highlights such as a "unique urban hotel."

A rendering shows what a Montecillo Town Center building may look like once complete in West El Paso, located on the east side of Mesa Street in a sloping valley. (www.montecillo.com)

That's according to website updates which tease new elements planned for the nearly 300-acre development.

Helipad Part of $63M Las Palmas Medical Center Expansion

Las Palmas Medical Center in West El Paso will soon undergo a $63 million dollar expansion across the street from the main hospital tower.

A 90,000 square foot addition will add three stories above the current intensive care unit, located at North Oregon Street and Rim Road.

La Madeleine Coming to 'La Villita' in West El Paso

A new La Madeleine Country French Cafe is headed to West El Paso, according to City permits. The restaurant will be located in the same shopping center as a new Whole Foods Market.

The 4,500 square foot restaurant will be located in the La Villita shopping center at 6801 North Mesa Street, a curved retail, office, and restaurant area leading into the Whole Foods Market parking lot.

Chico's Tacos May Close Central Location to Make Way for CVS

By Armando Landin   

National pharmacy retailer CVS has plans to build a new location in Central El Paso, the same location where Walmart tried to build a Neighborhood Market three years ago.

This architectural elevation shows what a CVS Pharmacy may look like once built, planned for Central El Paso. (City of El Paso)

The new CVS Pharmacy would go up at the corner of Montana Avenue and Chelsea Street, on the same property that is currently home to a Chico's Tacos location. Chico's would close and be torn down to make way for the CVS. The site is across the street from an existing Walgreen's pharmacy.

Alamo Drafthouse Now Showing New Films, Official Grand Opening May 6th

By Armando Landin   

El Paso's newest movie theater may not have had its grand opening yet, but it is already showing first run movies. Alamo Drafthouse will have its official grand opening on May 6.

The Alamo Drafthouse movie theater in West El Paso is now having its soft opening while it trains its new employees. (Alamo Drafthouse)

The newest addition to the Montecillo smart growth community in West El Paso opened its doors on Monday, April 25, to patrons in order to help train staff in the run up to the grand opening, showing older films such as "Back to the Future" and "Mad Max: Fury Road."