New renderings released for Hotel Paso Del Norte renovation

The design firm behind the planned renovation of the historic Hotel Paso Del Norte in downtown El Paso has won the “Creative Spark” competition, announced officials with the company.

Officials said Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design was awarded first prize in the “Creative Spark” Competition at the TOPHOTELPROJECTS World Tour 2017 for its renovation design of Hotel Paso Del Norte. The prize celebrates outstanding hotel design.

Marriott Autograph El Paso by Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design beat out competitors Edgewood Tahoe by HBA San Francisco and Hotel Indigo LA Downtown by HBA Los Angeles.

Kobi Karp’s restoration of the historic property will reportedly pay homage to the hotel’s history and will give downtown El Paso a luxurious and iconic landmark.

Located in downtown El Paso, the hotel’s renovation plans include all 356 hotel rooms and suites, as well the second-floor grand ballroom and conference rooms.

“We are honored to be recognized for our vision for this 100-year-old hotel,” said Kobi Karp, founder and principal at Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design.

“We were inspired by the striking, historic architecture of the existing structure, which speaks volumes of the hotel’s and El Paso’s rich history.”

The historic building was originally completed in 1912 with 195 rooms. The architect of the then 10-story Hotel Paso Del Norte was Henry Charles Trost.

Built on the site of the city’s famous Happy Hour Vaudeville Theater, Italian artisans were brought to El Paso to assist with creation of the massively ornate interiors in the three lobbies.

The most impressive feature was the 25′ diameter Louis Tiffany-style stain glass dome built in 17 pieces. The hotel earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

In April 2017, El Paso City Council voted approve more than a hundred million dollars to be invested in the former Camino Real Hotel.

The incentive agreement with the Meyer’s Group out of Florida will turn the newly-named Paso del Norte into a four-star convention center hotel.

The Meyer’s Group will spend $70 million in private investment as part of the agreement, qualifying the developer for an incentive package of more than $32 million to completely renovate the historic hotel.

Here’s how it breaks down: A state incentive totaling $24.3 million has been secured, which will pay about $3 million per year for a period of eight years. The city will provide a maximum of $6 million in redevelopment grants, with payments at 50 percent, 75 percent and 100 percent construction completion.

There will also be a 100 percent rebate of incremental real or personal property, the amount the property will increase in value with renovations. The incentive period limited to eight years and not to exceed $2.2 million.

There is also opportunity for additional incentives from the state for the Convention Center campus that could total millions more.

Among the city’s benefits is the agreement for ballroom and meeting space with no fees for five days, a 50 percent discount on per diem government rates for up to 200 room nights and the expenditure of one percent of gross revenue for marketing purposes.