UTEP Construction Updates

Centennial Plaza, Sun Bowl Drive Work Continues

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has seen many months of major construction throughout campus, and the fruits of that labor is starting to take shape.

Progress continues along Sun Bowl Drive, which is being widened into a four-lane road. Current work is focused on the school’s third roundabout, located at its intersection with Glory Road, just north of Sun Bowl Stadium.

Crews work on the Sun Bowl/Glory Road roundabout project at UTEP. (UTEP News)

Although the intersection is closed, Sun Bowl Drive remains open to traffic. Officials expect that the intersection will be temporarily opened for the May 17 commencement ceremony that will take place at the Sun Bowl. Final completion is expected in the summer.

Haggar Added to Outlet Shoppes Lineup

Men’s Clothier to Open April 12

The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso is adding another retailer new to the region. Haggar will open a factory store at the center this weekend.

The retailer was created in 1926 in Dallas, where it is still based. Haggar even coined the term “slacks” in 1938, according to a press release. It currently has over 70 factory stores throughout the United Stated and Canada. The El Paso store will offer apparel at 30 to 70 percent off regular prices.

El Paso Rent Growth 2nd Fastest In U.S.

Rental rates in the Sun City have risen faster in the last five years than cities like New York and San Francisco. That’s according to the online investment analysis site Nerd Wallet, which compiled a list of cities with the fastest-growing rents.


Via:  NerdWallet

Since 2009, rent has risen 33.5% in El Paso, largely in part to a major increase in demand due to an economy bolstered by Fort Bliss. This puts El Paso at number two on the list. The site states that a thriving energy industry and a large presence of federal regulatory agencies also add to the local economy.

Ballpark to Pursue LEED-Silver Certification

With the finishing touches being put on Southwest University Park in Downtown El Paso, the City is now highlighting the structure’s level of sustainability. The Engineering and Construction Management Department of the City of El Paso will seek LEED-Silver certification from the United States Green Building Council.

A recent aerial photograph of Southwest University Park, released by ZTEX Construction, shows newly placed sod on the field. (ZTEX Construction)

The LEED designation—LEED stands for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design—is described by the Council as “a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices.”

Retail Roundup: Two New Eateries Open at 'Fountains'

Craze, La Madeleine Latest to Open Doors on the Promenade

La Madeleine Country French Café is now open
in El Paso. (Fountains at Farah)

Two new eateries are the latest to open in the Promenade lifestyle section of the Fountains at Farah shopping center in East El Paso. La Madeleine Country French Café and Craze Yogurt Lounge have opened their doors at the center.

La Madeleine, a franchise venture of local businesspersons Paul Foster and Alejandra de la Vega Foster, specializes in fresh-baked baguettes, bold espressos, and delicate pastries. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.