Fire Dept. Headquarters Could Be On The Move

First, it was El Paso’s Sun Bowl. Now, Hyundai of El Paso could be taking over El Paso’s Fire Dept. headquarters.

Since the early ’90s, the Fire Dept.’s current location on Montana has served as home to the department’s administration, but now city officials may move it Downtown.

Hyundai of El Paso owner, Oscar Leeser, confirmed he is interested in leasing the building, which is located next door to his car dealership. Fire officials said that they are talking to the city about leasing the building they currently own on 8600 Montana.

“We’re comfortable and it’s what we’re used to,” Battalion Chief Sam Mena said. “If it makes sense financially and logistically, then the city is going to do what’s best for the citizens of El Paso.”

Mena said the city has discussed leasing office space at the Kaiser Building on N. Stanton, the Chase Building on Main St., and the Mills Building on Oregon. The move would affect about 80 employees, a handful of departments and people who do business with the Fire Department.

“The accessibility and parking might be a con for people that have business at fire headquarters and the people employed,” Mena said. “Parking always seems to be an issue downtown.”

Fire officials would also have to find a new home for the department’s memorabilia that’s currently in the lobby’s headquarters. The maintenance department would stay put, however, at an area adjacent to the main building.

Everyone involved with the possible deal declined to discuss how much money would be involved with the move and the lease.