Official Route Map Released for El Paso Streetcar Line

The El Paso Streetcar project has released the "Official Route" map showing the previously announced route and now showing the expected stops along the line. Construction began last year on the $97 million project and is ongoing in Downtown El Paso.

The Official Route map for the El Paso Streetcar project follows previously disclosed routes. It shows 27 total stops along the line. (www.facebook.com/elpasostreetcar)

The 4.8 miles of track will include two routes, according to previously released information. A Downtown circulator will loop through the city's center, traversing business, government, cultural, and shopping districts, in what is labeled as a "Downtown Loop" on the new map.

Renderings Reveal Look of Future Northgate Transfer Center

By Armando Landin

The architect for the Northgate Transfer Center project in Northeast El Paso is offering a peak at what the future development may look like. Exigo Architecture, of El Paso, has posted renderings of the transfer center at its website.

This rendering shows what the Northgate Transfer Center may look like, coming soon to Northeast El Paso. (www.exigoarch.com)

The Northgate Transfer Center is considered a "catalyst" by the City of El Paso for the future transit-oriented Metro 31 smart growth community, which will be adjacent to this project. It will be used as the terminus of the Dyer Corridor of the Brio Rapid Transit System, currently under development.

Dave & Buster's Details Emerge, Now Hiring 200 Employees for Bassett Place Location

The interior of the upcoming Dave & Buster's location at Bassett Place in El Paso will be "upscale and modern," according to a press release. The company is looking to fill 200 positions for the new entertainment and dining venue located in East-Central El Paso, which opens April 11, 2016.

A "360-degree bar" can be seen in the background of this photo. These new employees are taking part in a "group training" at an existing, unnamed Dave & Buster's location. The new El Paso location is seeking to hire 200 employees. (Dave & Buster's)

Dave & Buster's El Paso location will include over 30 big screen, high definition televisions and a 360-degree sports bar. This is the "Watch" part of the company's "Eat, Drink, Play & Watch" slogan.

Wildlife Theater Under Construction at El Paso Zoo

By Armando Landin

The City of El Paso recently broke ground on a new attraction at the El Paso Zoo. Work is underway on a wildlife theater that will host live animal shows at the park in Central El Paso.

Exterior rendering of the Wildlife Theater now under construction at the El Paso Zoo. (City of El Paso)

The wildlife amphitheater will seat 300 people in the open-air venue which will contain a canopy overhead, according to renderings of the project.

Johnny Rockets Possibly Headed to UTEP Area

By David Berchelmann

A new addition to the El Paso restaurant scene appears to be getting closer to fruition. Johnny Rockets could be headed to Mesa Street near the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).

In July of 2015, an announcement was made that Johnny Rockets had agreed to a deal with Cruzar Group, LLC, to bring their brand to El Paso and the surrounding region. Up until now, the location of their first restaurant was unknown.

Update: Dave & Buster's at Bassett Place to Have Grand Opening April 11th

By Armando Landin


The Dave & Buster's location slated for Bassett Place in East Central El Paso will have a grand opening on April 11, 2016. That's according the Dave & Buster's website. The site had previously indicated an opening date of April 4.

The location will span 36,000 square feet and is under construction in the former food court area of the mall. The website indicates the new location will be open daily from 11:00 a.m. to midnight.

City to Hold Community Meetings for Alameda Rapid Transit System

By Armando Landin

Residents along the future Alameda corridor of the Brio Rapid Transit System (RTS) will get to view final design plans during upcoming community meetings, beginning February 23, 2016, at the Downtown Transfer Center.


The RTS line will run 14 miles from Downtown El Paso to the Mission Valley Transfer Center in the Lower Valley and will include the same amenities found on the existing Mesa Street corridor. This includes use of the 60-foot articulated buses that arrive at stations every 10 minutes during peak hours.

New Murals Add Public Art to Montecillo Development

By Armando Landin

The Montecillo smart growth development in West El Paso has commissioned muralists to add public art to the walls of its structures. Australia based street artist Fintan Magee and San Diego based Christopher Konecki have joined resident artist EXIST1981 in contributing work at the site.

"Two Worlds," street artist Fintan Magee's mural at the Santi Dwellings in West El Paso. (www.instagram.com/fintan_magee)

Most of the art is concentrated in the TI:ME at Montecillo center, though Magee is putting the finishing touches on a four-story mural at the Santi Dwellings to the west. Konecki is working on multiple pieces on the sides of shipping containers used as structures at TI:ME.

‘West Towne Marketplace’ to bring 500,000 Square Foot Retail Center to West El Paso

Center Could Open as Early as Late-2017
By Armando Landin

Construction will soon be underway on a 500,000 square foot retail center at the corner of Desert Boulevard North and Paseo Del Norte on El Paso’s West Side. West Towne Marketplace will feature retail, restaurant, and entertainment options on the 63-acre property, according to a brochure.

A rendering of West Towne Marketplace shows a roundabout in the "lifestyle" area of the retail center, planned for West El Paso. (River Oaks Properties)

The new center will include a large grocery retailer as its main anchor along with big box sporting goods and soft goods retailers, spread throughout the more traditional power center sections of the development.