1998 Survey: 7 properties within arena footprint should be added to national register
The El Paso County Historical Society uncovered a 1998 survey conducted by the Sun Metro Transit Authority recommending seven buildings be added to the national register of historic places.
The recommendation came after exports found the buildings to have significant important due to architecture, association with historical figures or the information they contain.
The buildings are all within the site in consideration for the new Downtown arena. Although the properties have not been acquired, the targeted footprint is bound between West San Antonio Avenue, South Santa Fe Street, West Paisano Street and Leon Street.
“The building are intrinsically old, beautiful and significant – we have three buildings that date back to the 1880s,” said Dr. Max Grossman, Vice-Chair of the El Paso County Historical Commission.
The recommendations are determined on the buildings significant importance due to architecture, association with historical figures or information they contain.
“When you think of the history that happened there, the architectural legacy that our grandparents bequeathed to us- that incredible gift – we have a sacred duty to preserve it,” Grossman said.
The County of El Paso has been working to start a historical survey of El Paso since the beginning of the year, and the arena has added additional incentive to begin the project.
Monday, commissioners spoke about starting the survey in the area where the arena is set to be built.
“We are not trying to interfere. The historical survey does not change the outcome of anything,” County Judge Veronica Escobar said. “It doesn’t decrease the city power or the property owner’s ability to do what they want to with their properties. It will at the very least give us an inventory of what exists today.”
The six building locations include: Fire Station No. 11, 308 Chihuahua Street, 306 W. Overland Avenue, 302 W. Overland Avenue, 305 W. Overland Avenue and 309 Chihuahua Street.
