Massive East Side Entertainment-Retail Center Proposed

By Armando Landin

Far East El Paso could be in line for one of the biggest retail and entertainment centers the city has ever seen, according to plans for a new center at the Americas Interchange.

The proposed Plaza Del Rey development in El Paso spans nearly 300 acres and includes over 1.6 million square feet of retail space. (West Retail)

Plaza Del Rey would have a total of 2.8 million square feet of usable space if built as currently planned, including 1.68 million dedicated to retail alone which includes a proposed outlet mall.

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.

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.

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.

Land Study May Mean New NE El Paso Neighborhoods in the Franklin Mountain Foothills

The foothills of the Franklin Mountains in Northeast El Paso could see more residential development in the coming years after the City Plan Commission approved a land study for the area. "Sierra del Puerte" includes about 175 acres of land just west of Magnetic Street.

The site plan for a new residential development in Northeast El Paso shows streets winding around arroyos and open space. (City of El Paso)

According to the land study, the developer plans to construct 319 residential units on 70 acres. The site plan shows residential streets winding through the development, with arroyos interspersed throughout.

Aldea Developer Seeks Incentives Agreement for I-10 Overpass Construction

The developer of the future Aldea SmartCode project in West El Paso is seeking a Chapter 380 incentives agreement for construction of a freeway overpass adjacent to the property.

A new overpass is planned at Interstate 10 for Mesa Park Drive, the main thoroughfare that will take I-10 commuters into and out of the 196 acre Aldea development. Mesa Park will cross I-10 about three quarters of a mile north of Executive Center Boulevard.

The new Mesa Park Drive overpass is denoted here by a green arrow. The new interchange will provided access to the Aldea El Paso project on the West Side. (Schematic: City Council Agenda)

The agreement would provide Geltmore, LLC, the developer, with incentives in the form of rebates on the City's portion of sales and use tax. The incentive could total between $3.7 million and $4.7 million, depending on the cost of construction. The rebates will be calculated on sales by retailers within the Aldea development.

This is 'Metro 31': City Reveals Northgate SmartCode Project Details

Hunt Development Group Proposal Awaits Council Approval

Update: City Council has approved the project.  Read More >>

Original Story: 
The City of El Paso has unveiled details on the planned 31-acre transit-oriented mixed-use project slated for the former Northpark Mall site in Northeast El Paso at the corner of Dyer Street and Diana Drive. The proposal, submitted by Hunt Development Group, will be considered by Council on December 2, 2014.

This concept image shows a residential area within Metro 31, the SmartCode development planned for Northeast El Paso. (City Council Agenda)

Renderings of the project, which is called Metro 31 in several places within the development agreement, show buildings laid out in an urban fashion with little to no setbacks from streets. Structures are of varying height and scale, with some apartment buildings rising four stories.

Plans Revealed for Former ‘El Cruzero’ Land

River Oaks Seeks Mixed Use Zoning for 113 Acres in East El Paso

The developer of a Far East El Paso property formerly slated for a smart growth development has submitted a rezoning application showing the planned layout for 113.7 acres of the site. The property was part of the larger ‘El Cruzero’ development that was cancelled in 2013 when the owner sold the involved parcels to River Oaks Properties.

Single-family homes (in yellow) will make up the majority of the 113-acre Desert Sands development proposed by River Oaks Properties. A linear park will occupy the median of a north-south street. (City of El Paso)

Now referred to as ‘Desert Sands’ in the master zoning plan, River Oaks proposes to develop the property under Residential Mixed Use (RMU) zoning that includes single-family, duplex, triplex, and quadruplex units. It is currently zoned C-4 Commercial.

Weekly Edition, Issue 60

The Weekly Edition, Issue 60 has arrived! Take a look at the newest issue of our Weekly Edition, by clicking HERE. (Note: The newsletter will open in PDF format.)

In this edition:

• Plans Revealed for Former ‘El Cruzero’ Land
• Mixed-Use Infill Development Planned for Northeast El Paso
• Sun Metro Adds Articulated Buses to East Side Route

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UTEP Updates: ‘Transformation,’ Transportation Projects Continue

Sun Bowl Drive Gets Painted, Student Housing Construction Proceeds

Work on the University of Texas at El Paso’s (UTEP) campus continues as the school prepared for this fall’s Centennial Celebration. Progress can be seen on multiple projects throughout multiple areas of the school.

A roundabout has taken shape at the intersection of Sun Bowl Drive and Glory Road. (UTEP On the Move)

One of the largest projects will improve the center of campus in what UTEP calls its Campus Transformation, creating large gathering spaces, pedestrian-friendly areas, and expansive landscaping in the middle areas of the school grounds. Construction includes removing, parking lots, and concrete areas to reveal a more natural environment.

MCA Foundation Eyes New Location for Biomedical Building

Cardwell Collaborative Could Now Be Built on Jefferson High School Land

The Medical Center of the Americas Foundation (MCA) announced last week that it would now like to build its biomedical research building on Jefferson High School land in Central El Paso. The MCA submitted its preliminary proposal to the El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees last week.

This concept image shows what the Caldwell Collaborative may look like when completed. (MCA Foundation)

The MCA outlines how it believes the 60,000 square foot Cardwell Collaborative will benefit Jefferson High School and Silva Health Magnet students by locating the building on Jefferson’s campus. It would require a lease to purchase 2.6 to 2.9 acres of land to work.

Weekly Edition, Issue 58

The Weekly Edition, Issue 58 has arrived! Take a look at the newest issue of our Weekly Edition, by clicking HERE. (Note: The newsletter will open in PDF format.)

In this edition:

• Details on Alamo Drafthouse Theater Groundbreaking
• Retail Update: Kona Grill, Hana Banana Now Open at Fountains
• MCA Foundation Eyes New Location for Cardwell Collaborative Biomedical Bldg.

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SmartCode Project Requests 12-Month Extension

City to Consider 2nd Amendment to ‘Aldea El Paso’ Agreement

The second massive SmartCode project planned for West El Paso will have 12 more months to begin construction on its 204-acre development, if City Council approves the agenda item at this week’s meeting. This will be the second time the developer requests a one-year extension.

This map shows the several districts that will define the Aldea El Paso SmartCode development. A Walmart store, located in the orange district on this map, will have the largest footprint, followed by the more urban Rambla District to its east. I-10 and the planned frontage roads are at the bottom. (aldeaelpaso.com)

The developer, Geltmore, LLC of Albuquerque, still has not complied with one item out of five required by the Chapter 380 incentives agreement it signed with the City of El Paso in 2011. Geltmore must get Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) approval for the Interstate 10 frontage road and interchange that will provide access to the development.

Weekly Edition, Issue 53

The Weekly Edition, Issue 53 has arrived! Take a look at the newest issue of our Weekly Edition, by clicking HERE. (Note: The newsletter will open in PDF format.)

In this edition:

• SmartCode Project Requests 12-Month Extension: City to Consider 2nd Amendment to 'Aldea El Paso' Agreement
• Sun Metro Named Outstanding Metro Transit System: Texas Transportation Association Award is System's Second in Six Years
• Loop 375 Northwest Freeway Nearly Complete: Contractor Lists Mid-May as Possible Opening Date for Transmountain Expansion

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2nd Charrette to be Held for Upper Valley Property

Findings from First Community Design Meeting Released

Long before ground is broken on the newest neighborhood in El Paso’s Upper Valley, developers and City officials will hold their second public meeting discussing and drawing ideas for the 120 acre development on Wednesday, April 2, 2014.

These were the most and least liked images
for commercial spaces during the
charrette in January. (City of El Paso)

UV120, a local land development partnership, is holding the meetings in coordination with the City of El Paso’s Planning Division to get the public’s feedback on how the future neighborhood should be designed, what amenities it should include, and how the land plan should be laid out.

During the first meeting, which was held January 30, 2014, officials showed participants different general images in the categories of housing, thoroughfares, commercial, parks & open space, civic buildings, amenities, and canal-scapes. Attendees used stickers to indicate which version of each category they preferred.

Weekly Edition, Issue 49

The Weekly Edition, Issue 49 has arrived! Take a look at the newest issue of our Weekly Edition, by clicking HERE. (Note: The newsletter will open in PDF format.)

In this edition:

• 2nd Charrette to be Held for Upper Valley Development: Findings from First Community Design Meeting Released
• Under One Month Left for Downtown Stadium: Sod Goes In, Concessions Menu Announced for Triple-A Ballpark

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Upper Valley Residential Development Seeks Public Input

Developer to Hold Charrette this Week 

A plan is under development for 120 acres in El Paso’s Upper Valley, and now the public has been invited to take part in the project’s design. UV 120, a local land development partnership, will hold a charrette this week in coordination with the City Development Department.

UV120 is seeking the public’s ideas in transforming 120 acres of farmland into a residential development, shown here shaded in green.

The property is located on the southeast corner of the Artcraft Road and Westside Drive intersection, about 2.5 miles west of Interstate 10. The majority of the site is currently zoned as Planned Residential, while a smaller portion is zoned Ranch-Farm. 

The development partnership is inviting anyone who would like to participate to join the charrette, including but not limited to “land development professionals, realtors, investors and people who want to influence how a great neighborhood gets built,” according to a press release.

“We want to get input before we invest a lot of time and money in a land plan in order to have the community input influence the design of this project,” states Scott Winton in the press release, one of the partners in the development.  "If we do our job right, this development will be something the community supports and is proud of."

Joseph Nester, another partner, adds, “The property has many attributes including the various drainage canals, quantity of mature trees, and its location that provide a great opportunity to make a unique place in El Paso."

The charrette will be held Thursday, January 30, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. in the Canutillo High School cafeteria, 6675 S Desert Blvd. For information contact Scott Winton at 915-637-0787 or Joseph Nester at 915-727-7476. 

Montecillo Makes Big Moves

Project Readies for Town Center, Westward Expansion

Site preparation has finally begun on what will eventually become the Montecillo Town Center, part of the 292-acre Montecillo SmartCode development on El Paso’s West Side. Crews are clearing the way for the development’s “Entertainment District” which will house the Alamo Drafthouse movie theater that was announced as the first tenant earlier this year.

Construction machinery is helping to clear and level the site of the future Montecillo Town Center. The Alamo Drafthouse theater will be located here.

The property is currently a valley between two hills with relatively steep slopes on the eastern side of Mesa Street across from the Venue at Montecillo’s two northernmost apartment buildings. Parts of the property will be levelled to make construction of buildings more viable.

According to the Town Center’s leasing package, the project will add 37,000 square feet of big box retail, 80,000 square feet of “street” retail, and 56,200 square feet of commercial space. The move theater will consist of a 31,100 square foot building with 910 seats.

The View at Montecillo will offer housing options for seniors in El Paso. The 150-unit structure is under construction on El Paso’s west side.

There are 99 residential units planned for the site which will be incorporated into mixed-use buildings. And 1,165 parking spaces will be spread out among surface lots, parking structures, and on-street parking.

City May Rezone 4,669 Acres in Northwest El Paso

CPC Will Review Application on Thursday

Around 4,669 acres of mostly undisturbed open space in Northwest El Paso could be partially preserved if City officials approve a rezoning application for the area. The majority of the property is immediately adjacent to the Franklin Mountains State Park and stretches from areas near the Transmountain Road corridor north to the New Mexico state line.

Over 4,600 acres of land in Northwest El Paso could be designated as ‘Urban Reserve District’ by the City. (City of El Paso)

The acreage is owned by the City of El Paso and made up of 14 parcels currently zoned for either manufacturing or residential development. The proposal would change the zoning to Urban Reserve District, defined by the City’s Municipal Code as “an area that has development value with open space opportunities.”

Medical Center of the Americas Growth

Foundation to Present 1st Annual Impact Fund Report

The City of El Paso will get the first annual report from the Medical Center of the Americas (MCA) Foundation this week on various ongoing efforts bolstered by the City’s investment last year. A Chapter 380 Economic Development Program Grant Agreement was established on February 7, 2012 between the City and the MCA Foundation.

This rendering shows what the entrance to the Cardwell Collaborative Building may look like when it opens in August 2015. (www.elpasotexas.gov)

Representatives of the MCA will update City officials on various endeavors including funding resources, staffing efforts, and planning and design details for a biomedical institute and the tech park. The Foundation is also working continuously to acquire properties in the vicinity of the MCA campus.

The Cardwell Collaborative Building will be visible from Interstate 10. (mcamericas.org)

The Biomedical Institute of the Americas (BMIA) was formed last year with help of City grant funding to encourage biomedical research and innovation in the El Paso region. To date, the BMIA has “triaged” biomed companies on a local and national level, according to the report, and hopes to become a “robust innovation pipeline” within five years.

A Cafe will be located on the first floor of the Cardwell Collaborative.

Another venture the MCA Foundation has undertaken is the Clinical Research Organization (CRO), an effort to launch a local clinical trials network. The Foundation will align itself with one or more CROs, identify products needing clinical trials, and integrate them into the local provider network. The CRO launched in 2012.