City to discuss future of buildings in arena footprint

El Paso City Council representatives are expected to discuss the future of some buildings in the area that has become known as Duranguito.

That is the area where the city plans to build the downtown arena.

The city has been discussing options with the Texas Historical Commission for a few buildings that some say have historical value.

Under a memorandum of understanding dated October 2017, the City would agree to preserve at least two buildings in the arena’s footprint. But that is not the final version of the city’s memorandum of understanding with the commission. Representatives are expected to discuss the issue at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

The city has identified two buildings, which it currently owns, to be of historical interest. They are the Trost Fire Station, located at 331 S. Santa Fe, and the “Mansion” at 306 W. Overland.

Under the October version of the memorandum of understanding, the city plans to incorporate the Trost Fire Station into the design of the project. The city agrees not to demolish the Mansion, provided it is structurally possible to incorporate the building into the design of the project. If it is not possible, the city will make reasonable efforts to include the facade or other unique elements of the Mansion into the project.

Under the October version of the memorandum of understanding, the city would also agree to address architectural elements of the building at 212 W. Overland, which was referred to as the “Chinese Laundry” in the 1900s. The city does not own that building.

If the memorandum is approved in its current form, the City would provide rehabilitation incentives to properties in the project’s larger planning area.

Demolition of buildings on properties within the site owned by the City would only be permitted after the mitigation plan has been approved.

City officials emphasize the October memorandum of understanding is not the final version. Changes are expected to be made as negotiations continue.

The city is in the process of acquiring 18 properties in the arena footprint.

Editor’s note: This article corrected an earlier version that stated the memorandum of understanding was tied to a lawsuit involving the downtown arena.