The upcoming $207 million El Paso Downtown Deck Plaza project – currently in the design phase with construction slated for 2027 – has been projected to return nearly $1 billion in economic gains over a span of 30 years according to an economic impact study.
The 6.5-acre deck, once completed, will be a monumental achievement for El Paso, reconnecting neighborhoods and promoting economic development. As a transformational project, the deck will strengthen local communities through an influx of jobs that build affordable housing, enhance local business revenue, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and support non-motorized mobility.
The report projects that the construction phase alone will boost the city’s economic activity by $310 million, creating around 1,850 jobs in the process. Long-term benefits are expected to generate $660 million in economic activity, creating 300 permanent jobs over three decades.
Housing will be one of the most critical components of the deck plaza, with plans to build more than 1,700 housing units near the project. These developments could fulfill 17% of the city’s Downtown Uptown’s housing demand over the next 15 years, providing affordable housing for a significant portion of the city near essential services and amenities. Growth will be further energized in the heart of the city as new development opportunities and short-term value increases in nearby properties attract visitors and new residents.
Open and greenspace initiatives incorporated into the project’s design will have significant positive impacts on the local quality of life and environment. The project will increase available park space in Downtown El Paso by approximately 60%, presenting new opportunities for residents to have better access to open spaces and dedicated pedestrian and bicyclist facilities. The city’s investment in urban park greenspace and canopies will help reduce heat islands, lowering temperatures while simultaneously reducing airborne pollutants and dust storm frequency.
Currently, the park’s vision calls for several high-quality amenities for the public park. These include building an amphitheater, field house, dog park and playgrounds. The city anticipates building additional hike and bike trails connecting the deck plaza to local neighborhoods.
The project will be divided into four phases, with some portions completed through public-private partnerships. Once completed, the deck plaza will be a groundbreaking achievement for the city, representing a meaningful approach to supporting traditionally disconnected communities while creating a myriad of future development opportunities.
Photo by Thomas Vogt, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, from Wikimedia Commons
