The mercado complex at Paisano Drive and Oregon Street fits the "Little Mexico" attraction plan perfectly, El Paso Mayor John Cook says. (Ruben R. Ramirez / El Paso Times)
El Paso leaders said they believe a "Little Mexico" zone could be just the thing that's needed to attract thousands of new convention visitors, tourists and even locals to Downtown El Paso.
County Commissioner Sergio Lewis is approaching city and business leaders about the possibility of creating such a cultural and shopping zone.
It's an idea that's been kicked around before, but one that might attract serious attention this time, in light of the city's ongoing Downtown redevelopment and concerns about security across the border.
"Attractions need to be developed in the Downtown area in order to sustain the overall future investments that are projected for the Downtown revitalization plan," Lewis said. "Attractions
like a 'Little Mexico' are a perfect fit, along with a design plan that would incorporate and shed light on our city's past, present and future. Such a plan could eventually become a springboard for other promotions and sights of interest to follow."Cities such as New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles benefit from attractions in their Chinatowns, and San Diego has its Little Italy, Lewis said.
El Paso could provide a Mexico experience, with shopping, restaurants and entertainment. The county official said he also envisions a "mercado" with entertainment and conference space, and featuring international, national and local celebrities.
"The ideas are endless," Lewis said.
Mayor John Cook said the new mercado
complex that the Rosenbaums are building at Paisano Drive and Oregon Street would fit perfectly into a "Little Mexico" design."They are planning a ribbon-cutting for next month, and I've heard that they have occupancy commitments for 80 percent of the building," Cook said. "This wasn't done before because in the past people who wanted a Mexico experience would just go to Ju?rez, to eat, shop and see the glass-blowing factory.
"However, because of the narco wars and other
reasons, a lot of these things have died out. We have a window of opportunity now to do something now."The U.S. State Department has not removed its travel advisory for Ju?rez and other Mexican cities due to the drug-related violence of recent years. And many conventioneers and other travelers cannot cross the border after they arrive in El Paso because they do not have the required passports to return to the United States.
Louis Rosenbaum and his sons, Jerry and Marvin, who own El Paso-Los Angeles Limousine Express, are constructing the 17,500-square-foot shopping center with enough space for 30 stores.
The site for the center, at the southeast corner of Paisano and Oregon, was formerly used for a flea market. The new mercado shopping center will be enclosed.
Manny Becerra, a business owner who's been in Downtown El Paso for 30 years, said the "Little Mexico" idea is a good one.
"If they do it right, it will attract a lot of people," Becerra said. "They need to take a couple of blocks, and extend this north and south of Paisano, and provide parking.
"They could have a multi-story building with underground parking that will house nightclubs and souvenir shops. They can provide an open area, and bring mariachis and other entertainment that will appeal to the public. Whatever they do, it has to be very nice, and the parking is a big key to its success."
In the past, other community leaders mentioned the possibility of turning the open area in front of the El Paso Museum of Art into a musical entertainment square on some days, similar to Garibaldi Plaza in Mexico City, where roving mariachis show up impromptu to sing and play traditional Mexican music.
Lewis said: "We could also promote and have replicas of our historical sites, to include our missions, the O?ate Trail, and our history of Pancho Villa. We could expand on our leather and boot craftsmen, and this could lead to more and future travel to the actual, original sites of these crafts."
City Rep. Steve Ortega said a successful mercado area needs to embody the flavor, culture and environment of traditional Mexican mercados.
"A concept that takes advantage of our location and history in order to promote our region should be met with open arms," Ortega said. "We have a lot of potential for a 'Little Mexico,' north and south of Paisano, as our Downtown continues to grow."
Lewis said an essential component of a "Little Mexico" area or district is the ability for commuters to enter and exit the area safely and efficiently.
That's why he's also pushing for the proposed Border Highway/Loop 375 Extension West plan to offer sufficient entry and exit points for the extension in Central El Paso.
"I share the concerns of the Central Business Association and the local stakeholders that limiting the access to the area can have negative impacts to the livelihood of the local businesses and their economic value," Lewis said.
Diana Washington Valdez may be reached at dvaldez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6140.
Source: http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_22277927/little-mexico-zone-called-tourist-draw?source=rss_viewed
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