Redevelopment Of Old Farah Building Could Be Delayed

Developers of the old Farah building off I-10 and Hawkins say they need more time. Thursday, the city’s legislative review committee heard a proposal to extend the design and building date of a new outdoor mall.

The original contract, signed in 2008, included more than $18 million in tax incentives from the city and county.

Less than two years later, developers say retailers are not as quick to sign on because of the economy.

“Now you’re here today telling me that you’re sighting the economy for not being able to do this when you knew you couldn’t do it, ” City Rep. Eddie Holguin said of the developers. “I told you so. At the time we had retailers all across the country including El Paso closing stores such as Circuit City, Mervyn’s. They already knew the economy was slumping and going down.”

Developers want an extension of five years to start construction from 2011 to 2016 and five years to complete the project from 2013 to 2018.

“We think it’s just around the corner, don’t know if it’s one year, two years, three years, don’t know. (cover w video) We can’t do anything until we have the design of the center, and we can’t get the design of the center until the retailers want it designed,” said West Miller, President of Centergy Retail, a shopping mall developer.

Miller’s not asking for an extension on the 10-year grant period that allows them rebates on sales and property taxes. In exchange for the extra time, they say they’ll accelerate the demolition process, saving the city about $200,000.

“It’s not our fault they don’t have people signed up. They should have had people signed up before they even did anything,” said Lisa Turner, who opposes the extension.

While not everyone agrees some council members believe in moving forward with the project -even if it takes a while longer.

“The Farah building is the longest building in the state of Texas it’s right on the frontage of the interstate system…so the longer it stays vacant, the longer it stays in this condition of disrepair., the worst it is for El Paso.”

Developers say if the city does not extend the deadlines–the building will not be torn down. City Council’s expected to review the proposed extension in about a month.