las cruces plan may lead to shopping mall site changes

One of the most popular shopping centers in metro Las Cruces is almost certain to undergo a change as officials begin finalizing a new comprehensive plan for the city.
Opened in 1981, the Mesilla Valley Mall, located at 700 S. Telshor Boulevard, has seen a number of tenants come and go in the decades since, but the site surrounding the mall has always remained the same.
Now, in developing what will be a 20-year master plan, officials are thinking about the possibility of making the mall and the 77-acre site that it sits on more user-friendly.
That would mean the addition of rows of trees edging various sections of the site, and such community amenities as an open plaza, splash pad, and playground.
The comprehensive plan, otherwise known as Elevate Las Cruces, is being designed with an eye on population trends, land use, economic development, and community needs.
With public input as a part of a process that has been ongoing since last year, the plan is expected to be completed and presented to the public this coming December.
How the look and feel of the mall site will change depends upon what the final plan contains and how much of it is adopted.
Some suggestions for the site also include the building of a public library branch, transit accessibility, and even possible new housing in the form of row houses.
The Mesilla Valley Mall measures more than 602,000 square feet, comprising one of the largest shopping centers in New Mexico.

By Garry Boulard

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