EL PASO, Texas (KTEP) - The El Paso City Council approved a nearly $4.8 million purchase of two Union Plaza buildings.
The council unanimously voted to purchase the properties at 320 W. San Antonio and 301 W. Overland, the former Lynx Exhibits and a warehouse building.
Mike Churchman, who owns the two buildings, said he first offered the properties several years ago when the city of El Paso was planning for the locations of the Children's Museum and Mexican American Cultural Center.
"We don't know exactly what they want it for but the impression I get from talking to people is that they want to expand the convention center," Churchman said. "That is something we desperately needed for a long time. It makes a whole lot of sense if they really want to go that way."
According to a city presentation, the proposed sale would be part of a larger plan to expand the nearby Convention Center. The center is just across the street from the two Union Plaza buildings.
"The city of El Paso desires to acquire the land commonly known as 320 W. San Antonio as part of the Downtown revitalization initiative and Convention Center Master plan," a city document states. Plans for the proposal trace back to closed-door discussions between the Mayor and City Council on August 12, 2024 and March 17 this year, according to the same document.
As for the sale, the property at 320 W. San Antonio would sell for nearly $2.5 million. The building is listed as having 16,785 square-feet of space.
And, the building at 301 W. Overland would sell for $2.3 million. That property is listed as having 19,080 square feet.
In total, the cost for both buildings would be about $4.8 million. Funds from the city's Hotel Occupancy Tax Capital Fund would pay for the purchases, according to a city document.
In a statement, Mayor Renard Johnson said the purchase is the first step in preparing El Paso to host larger and more "impactful" events.
“As other cities like Dallas and Austin invest in their convention infrastructure, El Paso must also rise to meet the expectations of 21st-century event planners. One in 11 jobs in Texas is now tied to tourism, and this initiative will help ensure that El Paso’s visitor-driven economic impact continues to grow alongside our peer communities," Johnson said.
