A two-day auction is set to begin on December 1 for a two-story structure in downtown El Paso that is regarded as an example of the city’s classic early 20th century architectural movement.
Located at 201 N. Mesa Street, the structure measures just a little over 35,000 square feet and formerly served as a location for a CVS Pharmacy.
CVS moved out of that property in the summer of 2022, part of a national effort that saw the company close around 900 stories in subsequent months. In the company’s annual report released this summer it was disclosed that nearly 300 more stores are slated for closure.
Built in 1914, the N. Mesa structure was designed by the legendary architect Henry Trost and completed at a cost of $25,000.
In subsequent decades the building served as the home to the W.T. Grants department store and was later an El Paso location for the national McCrory Department Store chain.
Two years ago, it was listed for sale with an asking price of $4 million. The starting bid now for the property at auction is set for $625,000.
The auction listing is being handled by the national real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield, which has offices in El Paso.
October 20, 2025
By Garry Boulard
Photo courtesy Unsplash
