Project Profile

Union Plaza Private Sector Interface

El Paso, Texas

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Project Summary: The Union Plaza Redevelopment Program is the cornerstone of the City of El Paso's Downtown revitalization initiative. The Goodman Corporation (TGC) has directed the City's Union Plaza project from initial planning through design and now construction of $53 million of public improvements to this 14-block area. In addition to managing the implementation of the Union Plaza public improvements, TGC is providing the following private sector interface for the City.

Project Highlights

Residential Project Development

TGC led a series of downtown housing workshops designed to promote opportunities for developing new housing projects and rehabilitation of existing housing stock in the downtown area. TGC has focused on the needs of various housing interests including downtown residential property owners and tenants, nonprofit organizations and community groups, and City Housing Authority officials, which led to the identification of opportunities and constraints related to implementing housing programs and projects in the downtown area. A housing primer was developed to identify local, state, and federal funding programs to support low-, moderate-, and market-rate housing initiatives. Housing Finance Presentations were made to present funding opportunities to support rehabilitation of Union Plaza residential properties. TGC also held Institutional Meetings with financial institutions and housing consultants to identify programs to assist property owners and developers in financing housing projects in the downtown area.

Local/National Marketing

TGC established and staffed a downtown redevelopment office to provide an information center for parties interested in the City’s Downtown Redevelopment Program. A Union Plaza Brochure was created to promote the Union Plaza Redevelopment Program. A quarterly newsletter is published to follow-up the brochure. A Union Plaza Highlights document was developed that includes narrative and visual components describing the Union Plaza Redevelopment Program. TGC designed a Union Plaza Investor Package that is updated quarterly with the City’s latest demographic information, relevant ordinances, and economic development programs. A Property Database was complied that included public information from the Central Appraisal District regarding current use, size, and appraisal district valuation. This information is available to property owners and prospective investors. TGC conducts numerous developer meetings that include property owners and national developers to promote development opportunities in downtown El Paso. TGC has also given over 50 public presentations to various interest groups to promote the City’s Downtown Redevelopment Program and the Union Plaza project.

Project Development

TGC worked with the Union Plaza Executive Committee and the City’s Planning Department to achieve modification of the City’s special privilege License Ordinance used to facilitate the use of outdoor space within Union Plaza for outdoor cafes and retail vending. TGC has also established a Union Plaza Incentive Program, TIF Dissolution/Tax Abatement Policy, a City/County/DMD Agreement, and a Union Plaza Arts Program for the downtown area.