[ad_1]
Peter Swarzbein
Compromise is something of a defiant word these days. Nationally, this has become dysfunctional and we have seen decades of lack of federal leadership action on myriad issues. I am witnessing something. This is unfortunate because compromises often lead to better solutions for the community.
This week we will have the opportunity to finally learn about the multi-purpose center project, unless its presentation and discussion are silenced by voter-approved opponents of this project.
The design and feasibility study, which addresses the concerns of most groups about the city’s downtown multi-purpose center, will be unveiled for the first time at the city council on Tuesday, January 3.
The current design recommendations by Gensler, the design firm hired for this $800,000 design and feasibility study, are truly a compromise, delivering a multi-purpose center project on budget and reducing the MPC footprint. It leaves the area’s historic and residential buildings pristine. For a walkable Heritage Pavilion, we will continue the economic momentum of downtown, provide an economic anchor for entertainment and heritage tourism in our community, and respect the will of our 2012 voters.
The feasibility and design study developed by Gensler was a data-driven process that examined multiple data points, including market assessment, program analysis, architectural/structural assessment, economic impact analysis, and community input.
From this process, a number of funds have been set aside to allow the facility to be built on a voter-approved budget of $180 million, as well as funds that can be invested in the preservation and restoration of historic buildings within Union Plaza. key points have been made. MPC footprint.
For example, the price to build a hybrid option will be $142 million, and the entertainment complex will occupy mostly empty parking lots and historic warehouses along Santa Fe Street and Paisano. Based on market research and input from the community, this compromise could possibly lead to more than $10 million to preserve seven of his buildings identified as of cultural significance.
Gensler identified clear market gaps and consulted entertainment industry experts for the latest medium to large facility needs. Today, according to this market analysis, there are over 80 events our community misses because the only facility of this size is the outdated, dilapidated El Paso County Coliseum.
Opponents of the MPC believe these buildings will be rehabilitated by federal and state tax credits given to the private sector, but abandoning this MPC/Arena project and just spending money on the convention center would not be enough. The fact remains that funds are not provided for the restoration of historic buildings. Needless to say, voters in 2012 didn’t approve the money we spent to restore our convention center.
The only plan to fund the historic preservation of the Union Plaza area is the hybrid option, which will be submitted to Congress on Tuesday. Our community deserves respect for listening to the options presented on Tuesday and having a thoughtful and informed discussion about what is best for our future.
The MPC project has many other benefits for the citizens of El Paso. Both option site plans maintain open public areas creating porous/accessible destinations with open spaces. This means that people can enjoy the neighborhood and historic nature without having to buy a ticket at the new multi-purpose center.
Fortunately, when identified historic buildings are brought back online, they also offer unique opportunities for adaptive reuse of buildings by local businesses. This synergy between new facilities and enhanced historic and public spaces will only enhance and expand the Convention Center’s campus.
Our strategic vision to bring more hotels online for downtown conventions is already yielding real results, but the 3,000-strong Texas American Architects in October 2022 As the association’s conventions have already demonstrated, more meeting and programmable convention spaces are needed outside of downtown. What the convention center already offers. The new hybrid options identified in this study do just that.
The idea of ​​finding a compromise between respecting the will of the electorate and concern for community residents, historians and others was first made official when the location of this project was at the beginning of his first term on the city council. It’s something I’ve been concerned about since it was announced in . Many people in District 1 and El Paso are excited about this project.
Finally, after years of passionate input on all sides and other obstacles, we have reached a compromise to honor, enhance and fund our history while respecting the will of the 2012 voters. We finally have a path forward based on this. The City Council should carefully consider the opportunities presented by hybrid options. Don’t just abandon your downtown future without enough time and consideration to consider all your options.
Click this link to watch Gensler’s presentation at the City Council on Tuesday, January 3rd.
Peter Svarzbein has represented District 1 on the El Paso City Council since 2015. His term ends on January 3, before the next City Council meeting.
[ad_2]
Source link
