La Popular downtown to become housing
Watch the County's news conference below:
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)-- El Paso County officials and the city are announcing the redevelopment of the historic Popular Department Store building. Officials say it will bring housing and "community-focused" retail to downtown El Paso.
The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and officials say " this redevelopment project seeks to preserve its legacy while creating a space that serves future generations."
The building was sold last month.
The project is set to cost about 35 million dollars according to city and county leaders. El Paso City Council gave the plan a financial boost by approving a $6.72 million incentive package. The county says this redevelopment will make up to $143,000 in direct benefits for both the county and taxpayers.
ABC-7 spoke to Nadia Baem, she sold the property to Robert Palacios, and says this is just the start of the urban revitalization of downtown.
"It'll spark urban living and with that, it'll come with more entertainment. It'll come with more restaurants, it'll come with a grocer. It's just going to be a big impact for bringing more retail to the community, and more stuff to do," Baem said.
The building is going to have 120 apartment units, a parking garage, and retail space according to developers. 20% of the apartments will be "moderately affordable" housing, which means 80% of El Pasoans can afford it. Developers say it will be completed in 2028.
