Height for west side 22-story tower still an issue

Plans are in place for a proposed 22-story, luxury hotel-apartment building in West El Paso, but it hasn’t come without some backlash.

Some residents and city planners recommended the tower’s height be reduced, as 22 stories would make it the tallest building throughout El Paso.

The building would be located on a vacant, 4-acre lot at 201 Shadow Mountain Drive. It would be nearthe 11-story Coronado Tower office building on Mesa Street, while the apartment and condominium buildings are across the street.

A rezoning request for the project was held before the city Plan Commission on Thursday, but a majority of everyone in attendance didn’t have issues with the current height.

“If you want to knock floors down,” One resident said. ” I think you’re crazy.”

But there were a few people who still said 22 stories is too tall in that area of town.

“It affects our quality of life,” Another resident said. “It is a quiet beautiful neighborhood that we have sacrificed to live there.”

The city commission approved the original plan for the building Thursday, and it will now go forward to city council for a final vote near the start of May.