Montecillo launches second phase of smart growth

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held Thursday for phase two of the Montecillo development in West El Paso, the city’s first fully smart code community.

Montecillo is located between Interstate 10 and Mesa Street, West of Executive Center Boulevard.

The development, being built by EPT Land Communities, is nearly 300 acres and will be done in several phases.

Thursday’s groundbreaking was for two new aspects of the smart code community, which refers to an urban planning method promoting a pedestrian friendly development by concentrating on residential growth in the same small area surrounded by things like schools, shopping and parks.

Phase two includes two major additions: The View at Montecillo is being billed as El Paso’s first active senior community. The four story complex will feature, among other things, a library, a prayer room, a salon and even a pool and spa.

In addition, ground was also broken for a seven building concept called Santi, featuring five multi-family environments and two commercial environments. More than 8,000 square feet of commercial space is available and it will include an infinity pool with views of Mount Cristo Rey.

Among those on hand at the groundbreaking were County Judge Veronica Escobar, Reps. Cortney Niland, Ann Morgan Lilly and Steve Ortega, as well as Congressman Beto O’Rourke.

“The city, many, many years ago, certainly before me, had what I would call smart growth basic concepts and subdivision design without a doubt and yes you can view this as going back to it,” said David Bogas, Director of Development for EPT Land Communities. “The big twist is we’re tailoring it to multi-family, commercial, retail environment.”

Some of the praise at the groundbreaking included Escobar calling the development “an incredible symbol for El Paso of what we can do when we have high expectations.”

Niland called it “the first class sort of development El Pasoans deserve.”