San Jacinto Plaza’s reopening delayed until May

The renovated San Jacinto Plaza will not reopen this month as originally announced.

It will reopen in May, according to City of El Paso officials.

The $6 million project is funded in part by the 2012 Quality of Life Bonds and supports the City of El Paso’s strategic goals of the visual image of El Paso

According to a news release, the City states the renovated San Jacinto Plaza “will feature more open space than originally expected and will serve as a hub for Downtown El Paso’s new bike share program. Those amenities will be in addition to the huacha court, splash pad, game tables, a stage for live entertainment, decorative arroyo featuring native plants, and sitting areas which are already under construction at the plaza.”

“El Pasoans and their elected leaders have consistently told us they want exceptional recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities,” said Fred Lopez, who oversees the city’s Capital Improvement Program which includes the $6 million reconstruction of San Jacinto Plaza. “To that end, the City of El Paso is ensuring that the premier public space in Downtown El Paso elevates this community and aligns with those expectations.”

Contractors will implement the following:

Structural design changes to the canopy which will protect Luis Jimenez’ famed Los Lagartos from the sun,
Putting virtually all electrical work below ground to improve visual impressions of the plaza and create more open space within the plaza, and Coordinate with Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority to install a bike share hub at the plaza.

The 50-foot pine tree, which was damaged during renovations, will remain in the Plaza.

The City of El Paso has implemented process improvements to ensure more collaboration among city departments during the design phase. This will avoid some of the design difficulties including landscape and infrastructure which have been encountered during this project.