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The Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation released the findings of an economic impact study for a proposed 6.5-acre deck park in Downtown El Paso. The report highlights the transformative benefits of creating a deck plaza over the I-10 freeway and reveals that the proposed project would generate nearly $1 billion in economic returns for El Paso.

Click the link below to learn more about the Economic Impact Study!

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Background

In 1969, work was underway to extend the federal Interstate 10 (I-10) through El Paso to link the cross-country, east-west highway from Jackson, Florida to Santa Monica, California. The project disrupted the heart of Downtown El Paso - and the fabric of El Paso's urban core - with a sunken freeway.

With the Texas Department of Transportation's plans to reconstruct I-10 from Executive Center to Copia after fifty years, El Paso has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a Deck Plaza over I-10 in the downtown corridor.

The transformational project is designed to reconnect neighborhoods historically separated by I-10 to enhance livability, provide economic opportunity, add green space, hike/bike trails and other recreational amenities, and celebrate the region's rich heritage and culture. It also supports the City of El Paso's Downtown + Update & Surrounding Neighborhoods Master Plan approved in July 2023.

With matching funds from the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation, the City of El Paso received a $900,000 FY21 RAISE grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to conduct a Feasibility Study for the project. The City engaged Stantec to complete the study, which included a series of interactive community meetings held in 2023. The Feasibility Study included the creation of goals for the project along with design drawings and cost estimates.

Project Goals

  • Authentic Cultural Crossroads:
    • Gathering Space, Symbolism, Heritage, Contemporary Culture, Common Ground, Connecting Neighborhoods
  • Inviting Sense of Place
    • Active Edges, Amenity and Programming Variety, Shade, Green Space, Native Trees/Plants, Vendor Spaces, Food Trucks, Performance Spaces, Safety, Noise Mitigation
  • Enhanced Accessibility/Connectivity
    • Street Grid, Walkability, ADA Access, Bike-ability, Transit Access, Vehicular Access, Parking
  • Inclusive Economic Development
    • Local Business, Local Institutions, Added Affordable Housing, Minimize Displacement
  • Sustainability/Climate Action
    • Native Planting, Water Conservation, Heat Island Reduction, Energy Conservation, Improved Air Quality
  • Implementation Feasibility
    • Constructability, Infrastructure, Compatibility, TxDOT Alignment, Traffic Capacity Thresholds, Cost, Phasing, Value Capture