The city of El Paso is moving forward with planning on a new Class AAA ballpark, hiring Populous to produce conceptual designs for the downtown location.
The issue addressed by these designs: whether a new ballpark would fit on a small five-acre footprint current occupied by City Hall. The answer: yes, it will. From a city press release:
They have produced some work that shows in no uncertain terms that the stadium fits the City Hall site. The City Hall site consists of the Insights Museum and adjoining parking lot, City hall and its parking lot and surrounding area. The survey performed on the site shows it to be almost 5 acres. The area is bounded by Durango St., Missouri St., Santa Fe St., and the Union Pacific Trainway. In producing the concept, the ballpark has been placed where its footprint is not over the trainway, but access to the park could be from over the trainway on the south side.
The conceptual plans show the ballpark fits comfortably within the bounds, giving a unique and intimate park and still providing adequate dimensions for the playing field. There will be a 360 degree concourse, program areas for restaurants and concessions as well as play areas for children and other amenities.
The next step: the city will issue a Request for Qualifications for the actual design of the ballpark.
Image courtesy City of El Paso.
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