After nearly 6 years of litigation and controversy, the City of El Paso may be moving to a new stage in its effort to build a multi-purpose arena.
In the fall of 2016, members of the El Paso City Council voted to approve the $180 million construction of what is officially called the Multi-Purpose Performing Arts and Entertainment District in a section of the city inhabited by the historic Duranguito neighborhood.
Opposition to that plan from preservationists and community activists have seen the details of the project fought out in any number of local, regional and state courtrooms.
Now, with some sources indicating that it could well cost upwards of $240 million or more to build the same facility, a new study is underway designed to review other potential sites for the arena.
The study is being conducted by the San Francisco-based M. Arthur M. Gensler & Associates, which is exploring not just other locations for the arena, but how large the facility should be.
That study is expected to be completed sometime early next year.
By Garry Boulard
