5 Buildings in Downtown to be Demolished, Preservationists Upset (San Antonio, El Paso: 2014, apartments)

[Chuco]

The five properties are located on the 200 block of San Antonio in between Oregon and Mesa, they are owned by River Oaks Properties. These buildings are located next to the historical Caples building.

The demolition has already began on one of the buildings, while several preservation groups are trying to save the rest of the buildings. River Oaks has explained that the buildings don't have any real historical importance, are severely blighted, and would cost a lot of money to restore. They haven't really given any details as to what might go up in its place. None of the buildings are located in the city's historical district and the city didn't even put up a fight to stop the demolition.

The preservationists groups argue that we are tearing down too much of our downtown and that these buildings are a part of our history and should be saved and revitalized. They point to what Paul Foster did with the Mills Building and how many of these buildings can and should be saved.

Here are the buildings in question:







Here's my opinion: Let the wrecking ball knock em all down! None of them look like buildings that are worth saving. The preservationists are really getting in the way of revitalizing our downtown and are trying to protect every single building there. These buildings are nasty and were part of what made downtown El Paso look really bad and cheap for many years. Not every old building is worth saving and just by looking at these eyesores, these should come down in hopes of something nice going up in its place.

Life is finally returning to downtown (Link), several revitalization projects are now going on in downtown. New businesses are starting to spring up and interest in downtown buildings is starting to soar, so why should we stop all this new progress for some old buildings that aren't even worth saving? We shouldn't.

Demolition of 5 buildings begins in Downtown El Paso | KTSM News Channel 9 | News, Weather and Sports | El Paso, Las Cruces, Juarez

[joqua]

I couldn't agree more! I certainly don't know which buildings are worthy of salvation, but I know them when I see them.

Paul Foster is to be applauded for buying several of the old buildings of architectural and historic value and restoring them to their original condition. But there aren't that many "Paul Fosters" around to do what would need to be done for all of downtown. I don't recall a public outcry when other buildings in the old core of the city were torn town to make room for newer hotels, convention center, art museum, and lately the ball park.

[HookTheBrotherUp]

I don't know, it seems like the Art Deco one (Beauty) could have been restored. It looks like they were three separate buildings and then merged into one... perhaps they could have just taken out the JOSEFINO AL RIO and the little one in the middle and left the Art Deco one. But there lies, the problem, who pays to "restore" the buildings. As sad as it may be, if the buildings are not protected, then the owners can do as they wish. The one with the tree in the middle has no architectural appeal though.

[katzpaw]

Originally Posted by HookTheBrotherUp

The one with the tree in the middle has no architectural appeal though.

Many buildings look much better after you take off the fugly 1960's facades and reveal the original exteriors. I don't know about this one though. My preference would be for developers to keep and improve the streetscape, keep and renovate the front wall, but build a new building behind. Unfortunately the new ball park has created a demand for parking lots.

Toronto example: http://tinyurl.com/qb5zjq9
The facades were kept on this block but it's one new building behind with offices and stores.

[mistabinks]

There has not been an evening ball game that was not sold out. Everyone is talking how easy it is to drive in downtown traffic and find parking. I'd only add some parking due to nights like when we had a ball game, Seinfeld, and a concert all in downtown in one night. I wouldn't add too much though. People are finally doing things right. Leaving early, not rushing, being patient...

[atrabilius]

If we want to talk about downtown revitalization, it looks like it might be that a bunch of potential loft apartments are facing the wrecking ball. I don't know where the money to renovate those buildings would come from, though.

[malamute]

I'm an old building lover. They have character even if they're not the best. Maybe it's too late to save them -- they've sat with broken windows and non-use for too long. Maybe they can knock down our history and put up another beautiful parking garage in their place.

[Bron_Brodir]

So what will replace them? I bet a parking Garage.. for the baseball stadium.

[skilo]

Ah man! My grandpa told me he bought a pair of jeans there for $3 in 1951. There's no way they can tear that building down. Who can I go complain to about this? Long live that building, its an El Paso treasure.

[malamute]

Originally Posted by Bron_Brodir

So what will replace them? I bet a parking Garage.. for the baseball stadium.

That's also what I bet.