New Apartments in South-Central El Paso ‘Critical’ To Downtown Development

A new apartment complex in downtown El Paso is expected to help revitalize the downtown area.

The Magoffin Park Villas are located between Magoffin and Myrtle and St. Vrain and Octavia in south central El Paso. “This is the first new housing construction in downtown in a very long time,” said El Paso Downtown Management District Executive Director Veronica Soto.

The Magoffin Park Villas are an $8 million dollar project, featuring 91 one- and two-bedroom apartment units.

“It’s walking distance to everything downtown and it very much will have amenities we haven’t seen in this neighborhood.? said Soto. She added that this is a critical component for downtown redevelopment, “You need people to make a 24 hour environment. “

Additionally the project is mixed housing, meaning rental rates for some units range from $700 to $1000 and others will be government subsidized at lower prices. Soto says that price range will be from $400 to $600 for lower income families.

“You get to rub shoulders with different kinds of people and that’s what makes it exciting in a way as well,” said Soto.

Across the street, Luz Moreno, owner of Jerry Reed’s photo and video says the construction across the street keeps her optimistic, ?New people, hopefully new business for everybody.”

Moreno says she can’t wait for all the new tenants to help give her shop a boost, ?Maybe not customers?but (it) will bring movement, new people to the area. And having a mix of the community is all part of the urban living charm.?

Officials tell ABC-7 that the Magoffin Park Villas are expected to be ready this fall.