El Paso officials are interested in a plan to redevelop the site of Cohen Stadium, but want private investment to make the concept a reality.
Former home of the El Paso Diablos, Cohen Stadium has gone largely unused in recent years. In a project that is being discussed by city officials, the ballpark would be demolished to clear the way for a mixed-use development. Among some of the potential amenities that have come up in discussions about the site’s future include a water park, athletic facilities, a hotel, retail, urban plaza, broadcasting studio, and more.
Converting the Cohen Stadium site into a mixed-use area is an idea that appeals to some El Paso officials, and the city is working to attract private investment to help execute the redevelopment. More from KFOX 14:
[Director of economic development Jessica] Herrera said in order for the master plan to be effective, there needs to be a proper team to execute it.
“We need a right developer or development team that can come in and take a look at Cohen and see the value of the area and what it could potentially bring in,” Herrera said.
City engineer, Sam Rodriguez, told the council Monday that they’re looking for private investors.
“What we’re looking for is somebody that understands what the community envisioned. We’re going to have them go over the master plan,” said Rodriguez.
Opening in 1990, Cohen Stadium hosted multiple incarnations of the Diablos. An affiliated version of the Diablos (Class AA; Texas League) played at the ballpark from its opening through the 2004 season, before relocating to Springfield, MO to become the Springfield Cardinals. An independent league club immediately followed and assumed the Diablos name, remaining there through the 2013 season.
Discussions of redevelopment and the presence of Southwest University Park–home to the El Paso Chihuahuas (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) since 2014–in the city’s downtown have factored into Cohen Stadium’s inclusion in our Endangered Ballparks list.
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