Popular Building remodel gets another $1 million; Escobar’s GOP challenger reports little fundraising
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This is your weekly news roundup, which takes a quick look at some developments in government, politics, education, environment and other topics across El Paso.
El Paso City Council has granted an additional $1 million to support the redevelopment of the Popular Dry Goods Building, 301 E. San Antonio St., in Downtown into 99 apartments and several ground-floor retail spaces.
The unanimous vote last week to allocate $1 million in city funds toward the project comes after elected officials in November 2024 approved an initial incentive package valued at $6.72 million to enable developer Robert Palacios to complete the project. El Paso County subsequently awarded a property tax break to the project worth $727,000 over 10 years.
The latest award is meant to reimburse the developer for improvements to the building’s facade. The typical facade renovation grants the city awards for Downtown buildings are capped at $30,000 per renovation category, but …