County commissioners unanimously approve funding for survey of historic buildings Downtown

County commissioners Monday approved funding for an in-depth historical survey of Downtown with the hope of spurring investment and development.

There was overwhelming support from historical preservation advocates, building owners and developers in county commissioner chambers.

Members of the El Paso County Historical Commission and more urged commissioners to approve spending up to $140,000 for an in-depth survey of buildings throughout downtown and Segundo Barrio.

The goal is to establish a national historic district and registry of buildings. Audience members cheered as commissioners voted unanimously to approve the funding measure.

One of the major advantages touted was the tax credits that could then be made available for buildings surveyed.

State and national credits could cover up to 45 percent of the renovation of buildings over 50 years old in the district. Advocates used the example of the previously condemned and nearly demolished Gateway Hotel building, built in 1902, as one that could directly benefit:

“It would be very difficult to qualify that building for the national historic register because it’s cornice has been changed physically,” said Max Grossman with the historical commission. “But within the context of a national historic district, it would pass muster almost certainly.”

To qualify for the tax credits, buildings in the district would have to be more than 50 years old, be “income-producing,” and be renovated to preserve and display the historical aspects.

A similar effort to create a national historic district was considered by the city last summer, but failed there.

Monday however, preservation advocates touted the major benefits and no restrictions placed on property owners by this survey.

“It’s really exciting. It’s been a long process,” said Bradford Patterson, director of community heritage development with the Texas Historical Commission.

Patterson flew into El Paso Sunday just for the commissioners vote Monday morning.

“The county actually took, and moved to the forefront, doing a historic resource survey for downtown and the surrounding area,” Patterson said. “So it’s really important from a policy standpoint and understanding to be able to know what is actually there in the community in order to be able to promote it for heritage tourism or bring in economic investment. And that’s where this really shines.”

Commissioners have previously supported historical renovations and reuse in projects like the O.T. Bassett Tower in downtown.

“El Paso has a very rich history,” said County Judge Veronica Escobar. “And communities like El Paso capitalize on that history generally. And they do it not just through events or reenactments, they do it by preserving their history as well in their buildings.”

Joe Gudenrath of the Downtown Management District said it was the ability of the city to create restrictions on building usage that had the building owners and developers he works with concerned about the previous attempt.

“They were both doing the same thing,” Gudenrath said. “The intent was to create a national registry. But there is some concern that this would be one step towards the expansion of the local district. And that would be something that I think at this point in time in our downtown, we want to be very careful. We’re really starting to see the private development happen, and I don’t believe now is the time to add additional regulations.”

With the approval by commissioners Monday, the next step will be to hire a firm and start the survey, a process expected to take about a year.