Nearly 6 years after construction of a massive multipurpose arena in El Paso was proposed, city officials and others are trying to find a way to keep the controversial project on track.
The proposed $180 million Multipurpose Cultural and Performing Arts Center was set to be funded through Quality of Life bonds approved by El Paso voters in 2012.
But the project ran into immediate resistance from community activists and preservationists because it would have required the demolition of the historic Duranguito neighborhood.
One and two-story structures in that neighborhood date back to the mid-19th century.
A series of lawsuits, heard at various state and district court levels, have prevented any demolition work in the area, while, at the same time, the projected cost for the area has steadily increased to as much as $220 million and more.
Now a steering committee has been established to serve as a precursor to a new feasibility study looking at all the pros and cons of the project. That feasibility study is being spearheaded by the M. Arthur Gensler & Associations, an architecture and design firm based in San Francisco.
As announced, the committee’s membership is made up of various neighborhood, community, and business groups tasked with eliciting a variety of views on the project.
The findings of the steering committee are expected to be presented to the El Paso City Council sometime early next year.
By Garry Boulard
