Closer Look: Newly Funded Transportation Projects

Transportation Commission Approves $97M for Streetcars

The Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) approved a minute order last week that green-lights funding for two large transportation projects in El Paso, including the long-awaited streetcar project slated for the Downtown/University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) areas.

A rusting streetcar sits on El Paso International Airport land in this 2008 photograph. (Historic Trolley Streetcar Initiative Report)

The TTC approved $97 million for the streetcar project as a “regional multimodal” development, serving the I-10 “congested corridor.” The funding will support construction of 4.8 miles of track that will transport riders from Downtown El Paso, including areas near the ports of entry, to UTEP and the nearby Cincinnati entertainment district.

According to the TTC’s Unified Transportation Program update, the streetcar line will include 27 stops. The route, as chosen by City Council, will travel north on Oregon Street, turn east on Glory Road, and then back south on Stanton Street. A circulator will also travel in a loop around Downtown El Paso’s core. New funding is also intended to cover vehicle maintenance and storage facilities.

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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.

Retail Update: Kona Grill, Hana Banana Now Open at ‘Fountains’

Sleep Number Store to Open Shop in Promenade Section of East El Paso Center

Two new eateries have opened their doors at the Fountains at Farah, both in the Promenade lifestyle area of the East El Paso shopping center.

This water feature, called a “rain cascade,” can be found inside the new Kona Grill at the Fountains at Farah in El Paso, installed by LL Waterfall Designs of California. (facebook.com/llwaterfalldesign)

Kona Grill, a self-described “casually elegant” restaurant that serves award-winning sushi as well as American favorites with an international influence, opens to the public on Monday, June 22, 2014. It held invitation only events over the weekend to prepare for the official opening.

Downtown Streetcar Project May Receive Funding This Week

The $97 million Dowtown/UTEP streetcar project could break ground as soon as August if the Texas Transportation Commission approves funding.

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A vision of what Oregon Street could look like with a streetcar system, from Plan El Paso. (planelpaso.org)