plans for new entertainment district in el paso revealed

The nearly 30 year-old Cohen Stadium in northeast El Paso is now slated for demolition in order to make way for a sweeping and imaginative entertainment district.

That, anyway, is the essence of a plan called “Reimagining Cohen,” which says that once the 9,700-seat facility is leveled, construction can begin on a new hotel, waterpark, several restaurants, and retail space.

What is being called the Cohen Entertainment District will also include athletic fields and open space, a network of walking and bike paths, and streets.

City documents say the district will become a “retail and recreation destination that will attract sports aficionados, families, business travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.”

Funding for the project, which could have a first phase price tag of $20 million, is expected to come from a variety of sources, including the Quality of Life bond passed by El Paso voters nearly 6 years ago, and Capital Improvement Plan money approved last year by the El Paso City Council.

Additional funding is expected to come through public/private partnerships.

Designed by EXIGO Architecture of El Paso, the entertainment district has been talked about for more than a year and the subject of a series of community input meetings.

By Garry Boulard