With the Texas Department of Transportation opening public comment on the latest concepts to make needed improvements to the Interstate as part of the Re-imagine I-10 project, several local groups have unveiled their concept for the area.
The Paso del Norte Health Foundation (PdNHF) and Paso del Norte Community Foundation (PdNCF), together with the El Paso Chamber and other community advocates and stakeholders, have been working on a vision for the project for nearly two years.
One important opportunity this project creates is the addition of a Deck Plaza in the downtown corridor. The proposed Deck Plaza would re-connect neighborhoods on either side of I-10 in the downtown area and bring needed green space, hike/bike and other recreational amenities to the region.
“The Paso del Norte Health Foundation and Paso del Norte Community Foundation are committed to working with the community on projects that improve health and quality of life – from COVID-19 response to high-impact projects like the Deck Plaza,” said PdNCF and PdNHF CEO, Tracy Yellen.
“With TxDOT’s work on I-10 and potential state and federal funding, this a once-in-a-generation opportunity to re-connect neighborhoods and create a regional amenity and green space for the entire community.”
In 2018, the Health Foundation contracted with OJB Landscape Architecture, the firm that designed Klyde Warren Park (a five-acre deck park in downtown Dallas), to review the potential 12-acre site and create a vision for what a deck plaza could look like for the El Paso region.
While additional planning and community input is needed to make this transformational project a reality, TxDOT’s Re-imagine I-10 project makes accomplishing the vision possible.
“This is about building our future. It improves our community, creates jobs and enhances our businesses, at a time when we especially need the economic stimulus,” said David Jerome, President/CEO of the El Paso Chamber.
The Paso del Norte Community Foundation established Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation to support the vision for a Deck Plaza over I-10 in the downtown corridor.
To learn more about the project and/or to get involved in future planning efforts, click here.
