I’m a lifelong resident of the Lower Valley, aside from 4 years away at college. Since I came back to El Paso I have flirted with the idea of moving to Central or Downtown, but have remained in the Valley. I love the Lower Valley. Aside from Mr. EH, our current Council Representative, I think this part of town has a lot to offer, it has just never taken off. I have been waiting for years for what is occurring as we speak, on many fronts, from various sources: a Lower Valley Resurgence. I have seen, heard and read a great deal about what is happening, and I thought I might divulge some.

The Obvious:
Despite the Lee Trevino Extension being placed on the 2035 Master Plan (what a crock!) there are some easily identifiable changes going on here. From an educational standpoint, the schools are continuing to improve themselves. Through additions and renovations (Del Valle and Bel Air, to name a couple) to new campuses (North Loop Elementary and the planned DV area elementary) the Ysleta District has improved the schools that serve the Lower; because the District is landlocked it will only continue to improve the schools in the area. Socorro ISD is also planning a new elementary for the actual Socorro area, south of the freeway, it is one of the many proposed schools on the upcoming bond. They always say it all starts with education, right?

Lower Valley residents finally have some new places to spend our money, particularly the Rancher’s Pro Market and Academy Sports. I find it interesting that these two companies chose the Lower Valley to introduce themselves into the El Paso Market (Academy is opening a West Side too). The Rancher’s Grill is located at the corner of Zaragoza and North Loop; Academy Sports is at the Americas and Socorro Intersection. I like that these new stores are in my part of own, it forces the citizens of El Paso to make the trip into the Valley to check out the new digs; hopefully the trip will help change some of the preconceived notions of the Valley. The Academy makes me most excited, not only because its a minute away from my house, but because it is now occupying the eyesore left when WallyWorld jumped across Alameda.

The McDonald’s in front of Ysleta High has been demolished and is being rebuilt. When its done it will sit next to the new Domino’s, a couple of new options to choose from in the Ysleta High Area. The Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market at Yarbrough and North Loop is another example of some recent corporate investments taking place in the Valley.

“Nike Cortez, The Texas Store.” Ahh the memories; I don’t have any info on what is going to replace the Texas Store, but the landmark store is now gone. I didn’t believe the ‘going out of business’ signs they had up at the end of the summer, but the Chuck Taylor, Nike Cortez and Chero-style hot spot is now gone. From my semi-trained eyes, they will renovate the existing structure, but into what? Does anyone know what it is going to be?

The Not-So-Obvious:
Ever drive down Alameda at the Zaragoza Intersection? I’m sure you noticed at least a few older ladies waiting at the singular bus stop, a badly placed stop in front of the Ysleta Mission that continuously halts one lane of traffic on Alameda. Or maybe you tried to go down Old Socorro from Zaragoza and ran into upwards of 3 buses all parked in front of the Running Bear. Soon all this Bus traffic will be no more, due to…drum roll please, the new Lower Valley Transit Terminal at the Zaragoza and Alameda intersection.

The Sun Metro and the City of El Paso project will be similar in function and design to those at Five Points and Cielo Vista. From my understanding of the project, they are going to level the entire block North of Alameda to make room for the new Terminal. Say goodbye to what I always called Little New York, the block of Alameda that houses Ysleta Stereo, El Tambor? Cantina and apartment buildings across from Roxy Tuxedo. Refer to the pic if you have no idea what I’m talking about. The Transit terminal will have more than enough parking for Park-and-Riders, as well as public restrooms and infinitely more covered waiting areas for passengers. There will also be a Visitor’s Center for the Mission Trail, something that has been needed for years, to help promote one of El Paso’s best tourist destinations.

Whispers, Too Early to tell if they are legit:
Residents of this same area will also soon have a park to walk dogs or play some catch. Apparently the plot of land that runs parallel to South Side, which is now occupied by a canal and undeveloped land, will be the site of a new park. The Canal is going underground, similar to the improvements in front of South Loop Elementary, and the entire tract of land behind the old TxDot Building will be a new City Park. Its going to be a three-phase project, so it probably won’t be completed for a few years, or so MR. EH has said.

Lastly, I’ve heard some serious rumors of a planned development at Zaragoza and the Loop. I’ve heard of some big-name big-boxes (Costco, Home Depot, and Petsmart among others) wanting and waiting to occupy a new development at the Northwest Corner of the intersection. Literally hundreds of feet from Mexico, its a huge site, so there’s lots that can be done here. I’m thinking something along the lines of a Las Palmas South, maybe not as big, but on the same scale. The planned development will serve residents on both sides of the river and it will be nice for EP residents to drive down, not up, Zaragoza to shop. Who knows when or if this is happening, it may be different, but “the last cotton field in the valley” will be developed soon. There is definite interest and investment, its just a matter of time before it comes to fruition.

That’s all I got for now. Alls I can say is I hope the Valley continues its upswing.

-chesswithdeath