Downtown Las Cruces ‘eyesore’ will become a boutique hotel and restaurant, developer says

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - A building that has been under construction for more than a decade in downtown Las Cruces will soon become a boutique hotel and restaurant, according to a developer for the project.

"We are excited," said Bob Pofahl, one of the five general partners developing the project. "We know this building - this site needs to get developed."

ABC-7 has reported on the frustrations of nearby business owners and residents for years on the "eyesore" at the entrance to downtown Las Cruces.

“It looks terrible,” said Robert Barreras in 2018, who used to own a window tinting shop next door. “I would just like them to finish it or knock it down.”

“I’ve been receiving numerous complaints and concerns about the ‘eyesore,'” said City Councilwoman Kasandra Gandara in 2018, who represents district one. “I was hoping we could put it on the agenda to have a discussion. Maybe this gentleman will be amenable to possibly selling.”

The last update ABC-7 had heard from the developer was in 2018 when he said he was planning to open two restaurants: “Famous Frank’s Chicken and Waffles” and “Twisted Chile.” That never happened.

Pofahl said the pandemic did delay the development of the space, but he is optimistic about the future.

"It’s an important entrance to Main Street," Pofahl said. "It’s been a long process.”

He said the boutique hotel will be developed by the Azzurro Group, based in Scottsdale. He did not have an estimation for when the project will be complete.