EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso City Council authorized on Tuesday, Feb. 25 moving ahead with the plans to sell and redevelop 17 City-owned properties around Union Plaza, while keeping an eye on this area’s history.
The City Council authorized issuing a request for qualifications for the redevelopment of 17 City-owned properties in the Duranguito neighborhood near Union Plaza.
This area was originally earmarked for a Downtown arena, but after a decade of opposition from some El Pasoans, the City abandoned the plan.
This past November, City voters approved a ballot measure revoking the City’s authority to issue the remaining $128.5 million in bonds that had been allocated for a multipurpose performing arts and entertainment facility, or Downtown arena.
The RFQs for Union Plaza redevelopment are expected to be released in March.
“In doing so, the Council reinforced its strong preference for adaptive reuse — an approach that modernizes existing structures while preserving their architectural and historical integrity. For buildings deemed independently eligible, redevelopment proposals must also include efforts to secure National Historic designation,” the City said.
The City said it “envisions a dynamic, reimagined Union Plaza” that includes the following:
- Preserves historic building facades and architectural character.
- Includes green spaces and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
- Creates new housing opportunities, including affordable units.
- Uses ground-floor spaces with retail, entertainment, and cultural venues.
- Attracts diverse industries, including education, arts, research, and technology.
The RFQ marks the second phase of the City’s strategy for redeveloping these properties, it said. An earlier request for interest (RFI) gathered input from industry experts and community stakeholders, shaping the next steps in the process, the City said.
Key elements, the City said, of the RFQ will include:
- Selection Criteria: Evaluation of developers based on experience, financial capacity, technical competence, and their ability to execute a comprehensive adaptive reuse plan.
- Sale Conditions: Required rehabilitation of properties in accordance with established design standards and the City’s Union Plaza Infill Policy.
- Historic Preservation: Developers are required to secure National Historic Registration for independently eligible buildings as a condition of sale. Additionally, the City will evaluate each proposal on a case-by-case basis to further safeguard the historical integrity of the properties while allowing for adaptive reuse opportunities. This approach aligns with best practices in historic preservation while ensuring a balanced redevelopment strategy.
- Fair Market Value: Sale of properties at fair market value, with proceeds used to pay down outstanding bonds associated with the original arena project.
With the RFQ set for release in mid-March, developers will be invited to submit their statements of qualifications. The process will include a Q&A period, site visits, and developer presentations, culminating in final selections in this fall.
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