City of El Paso to discuss repurposing money for the downtown arena project
Published: Mon, 01/02/23
City of El Paso to discuss repurposing money for the downtown arena project
Union Plaza is the proposed site for the multipurpose and cultural and performing arts center in downtown El Paso.
Credit: KFOX14 / CBS
KFOX14
by Jhovani Carrillo
EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — After months of conducting a multi-phase feasibility and programming study on the voter-approved multi-purpose performing arts and entertainment center, the El Paso city council will be getting an update on the finding during Tuesday's meeting.
The study examined whether the neighborhood where the downtown arena project could be built can be incorporated into the design.
“The site plans really look into incorporating, not just the build environment but really creating all these open corridors to create a very porous project site that allows opportunities for different kinds of programs to enter, not just this one entertainment venue," said Daniela Quesada, Chief Architect for the city of El Paso.
The presentation of the findings includes three different arena options with varying capacities of occupancy and costs for each arena.
Back in 2012, voters approved $180 million for the center, but the initial amount has dwindled throughout the years.
According to the city, nearly $800,000 from the $180 million was used for the study.
With inflation on the table, KFOX14 asked the chief architect for the city, Daniela Quesada, if the city can still afford to build this with funds that were approved 10 years ago.
“We are looking at our expenses then being able to meet that demand and you know the options one really does cost exactly, you know, or I should say falls within the approved budget that we have," said Quesada.
During Tuesday's city council meeting, members will also be discussing if the money for the center should be repurposed and/or used to upgrade existing city buildings instead.
City council members Joe Molinar and Alexsandra Anello placed the item on the agenda.
According to the agenda item, there are not enough funds to build the center.
Some El Pasoans believe it should still be built.
“I think they should invest in the downtown arena 'cause it will not only expand the city as far as having a lot more room available for important things," said Phenix Sauced, El Pasoan.
“I think they should put it into the arena because it would make it more into the community. It will get more people out here," said Ashley Camargo, El Pasoan.