Las Cruces breaks ground on downtown plaza

completed about a year behind schedule. but over in las cruces, it’s full steam ahead on the new downtown plaza at griggs and main street. that’s the area we’ve shaded in green. the shovels hit the ground today on the five million dollar project. abc-seven’s josie ortegon and our new mexico mobile newsroom were there. josie? estela… back in the 1970’s, las cruces tried to renovate a plaza in the same location… but it was a dud… and surrounding businesses all closed shop. now, city leaders think it’s the right time to try again: “nats” “this day, we are maki history folks.” nat “we are very excited that thing are continuing to happen downtown.” cit officials, residents and business owners are all in. after more than 20 years–the long- awaited plaza will now be built. “nats the downtown revitilization project was launched in 1994, after a serious business downturn. “we had this issue of downtown, main street being dead.” former mayor ruben smith, is credited for spearheading effort. he and other officials decided a plaza could bring downtown back to life. but it wasn’t an easy road. the city ran into funding issues, design complications and it took years to purchase the land. today, smith was near tears. “my only purpose is being here, is to say thank you. to the mayor, city council, city staff, managers who make.these.kind of.endeavors possible.” today all that sits on the nearly 2-acre land is a steel structure donated by a lifelong resident. but in a year–you’ll see a stage for concerts and events, a spash pad and plenty of shaded areas. heather stein, owns a running store on main street. she moved her family from to las cruces just a year ago. –she says the construction of the plaza reaffirms she made the right decision: “we came here, becaus we wanted to be a part of downtown so the plaza opening is really exciting for us.” the city of las cruces plans to have the new plaza ready for use sometime next year. it’s transforming right before our eyes. josie, thank you for the update. from downtown las cruces …