Buildersoutlook2014 issue12

Builders

utlook

www.elpasobuilders.com

2014: issue 12

2014 Installation and Awards dinner delivers The 2014 Installation and Awards dinner took place at the El Paso Marriott hotel on December 12. The event capped off the year of hard work by the Executive team and the Board of Directors. President Frank Torres gave a brief but excellent farewell address, thanking many who had served during the year and during his term.

“I want to thank all of the board for their dedication and work but I’d also like to thank the executive for being with me and working with me for the betterment of the association,” Torres told the audience. “I also want to take time out to thank a special lady who keeps the association running and trying to keep Ray in line, and of course that would be Margaret,” Frank said as he presented Margaret Adauto with a thank you gift. In leaving he said that he really felt like he was just getting the hang of being president, “and then you’re done”.

He kiddingly suggested that one of his last acts of President would be to make Edgar Montiel’ term a two year commitment which was followed by “so Moved” and “second the motion,” as a stunned Edgar sat at his table saying no. “I really feel like perhaps someday we should have a two year term for president so that we can learn and then work at it better,” Frank told the Outlook.

Honorees of the year took home some well-deserved awards. It started with Associate of the Year, presented by Sam Shallenberger. An unsuspecting Joe Bernal was announced as the winner for 2014. Joe, in shock from being honored rose to the occasion by letting the audience know his history, and confirming his ability to talk. The next award was the Pat Cox service award and it was presented to Bret Thompson of Foxworth Galbraith. He couldn’t be at the event so the decision was made to surprise Bret at his office and present his award there. “I’m honored to be chosen,” was what Bret told the audience via a recorded video message.

Another honoree, Mark Dyer, was chosen as the 9th all-time Life Member of the EPAB. “I have gotten many awards in my lifetime but this one tops them all,” Dyer said. “I am humbled to know that I join a very elite group of members with this honor and I am just happy beyond belief,” he continued. Dyer, who has held every conceivable position within the association in his 44 plus years, said that this one was the one he thought he never would see. “I have been here so long, loved every minute of it and found so many good friends through it,” he told the Outlook.

Rounding out the big awards was a surprise award to Cindy Bilbe, Stewart Title of El Paso’s president. The John Schatzman Community award goes to someone who represents the best of the association out into the community. Cindy has served the community well with her untiring work and dedication to making El Paso a better place to live, grow a family and start a business. “I am shocked and honored,” was about all Bilbe could mutter as she thanked the Association.

The EPAB was honored to welcome Texas Association of Builders Secretary Treasurer Rick McGuire and his wife at the installation. McGuire, from Lubbock, traveled to do the installation of the board and the executive officers. “I want all of you to know that El Paso is well represented in Austin and around the state associations thanks to the dedicated work of your elected officers and your executive officer,” McGuire told the over 220

attendees. Roses were presented to Mrs. McGuire as thanks for her taking time to come and join the evening’s event. Mr. McGuire reminded all to stay in touch with the state and to feel empowered to make the difference in the industry. He asked that everyone that can go to the Legislative day in March of 2015. “I invite each one of you to participate and make the difference, see how we work for you in Austin, and learn about your state association,” McGuire said.

Finally it was time to install the 2015 President Edgar Montiel from Palo Verde Homes. In his acceptance speech he told the gathering that he was challenging them to bring in members. “Tonight I want to announce that I have ten new applications right here, and I’m asking each one of you to bring in one or two so that we have strength in numbers, strength in unity,” Montiel challenged. He told the Outlook that he is excited and nervous entering into the presidency. “I know that I should not feel this way except that right now I have some very big challenges to guide the association through, but with help from so many I know we can do it,” Montiel concluded.

Also honored at the event but unable to attend was the first time Newcomer of the Year award winner Dorney Security. El Paso Development News was also given an award for their contributions to the Builders Outlook. In getting the award at the builders office Armando Landin said he was honored to be given some recognition.

“I look forward to putting this award on my desk, the very first award I’ve ever been given for the News,” Armando told the Outlook.

AWARDS DEFINED Every year we give out honors to some members who the association feels deserves a special thank you. The awards are named for members who served the association without any hesitation and often with commitment of both time and money. Here’s some of those awards and who they are named after: Pat Cox Award When a member of the El Paso Association of Builders is considered for the following award they join an elite list.

The award is named after someone who for twenty plus years dedicated herself to the association as a member. Pat Cox was the senior Vice President of Home Mortgage Company, at the time one of El Paso’s largest mortgage companies. Pat Cox was involved on every possible committee, Board, or council at the association. She gave of herself in an unselfish way, no matter how time consuming the project was, or how complicated it could be. Pat Cox put the interest of our industry first. She brought honor and dignity to our association and it is in this spirit of unselfish dedication to our industry that we honor her memory with an award that carries her name.

Builder Member of the Year The member selected for this honor has demonstrated leadership in the association through his or her work as a builder/developer/remodeler member. The Builder member of the year award is the Associations way of thanking that person for the hard work and dedication to the building industry. To be considered the recipient must have demonstrated exceptional service over the years and be in good standing with the association.

Traditionally the award has gone to the

outgoing President, but this is not always the case. The award is for demonstrating the best attributes of membership and therefore is honored as the best builder member of the association.

Associate of the Year The member selected for this honor comes from the largest representative group in our Association, the Associate members. Of the nearly 250 Associate member companies the Association picks one person for the award out of the hundreds who offer their time and expertise. This year the choice of Associate of the Year demonstrated exceptional service to the organization. Not always an automatic choice the Associate of the Year award is truly earned by countless hours and energy given to the membership. With the large number of volunteers choosing one member among the many is a task that tests the selection committee. The honoree is indeed the best of the best from our Associate members and should be looked upon as the standard to be judged by in the future.

Schatzman Community Award Personally chosen by the Executive Officer, the John Schatzman award is presented to a member who represents the association in community works.

Schatzman was created after member John Schatzman, a commercial developer, who began to fund a scholarship at the El Paso Community Foundation to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars. His goal was to provide scholarship and to help that scholarship money keep someone in El Paso working and contributing to the business community. Money earned from that investment is used for the Young Designer Scholarship Program. The honor is not given each year, although it could be.

Ray Adauto has carefully looked at leaders in the community to get the Schatzman for their unselfish giving to El Paso.

Recipients include the HUNT Foundation and Lorraine Huit who has given much in service to the city and Rotary.

More photos on page 7

2

Builders Outlook

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT TEXAS GAS SERVICE. The holidays are a time to give thanks and celebrate with the ones you love. At Texas Gas Service, we’d like to express our gratitude to you for building with natural gas and for giving your buyers the gift of savings. We wish you and your customers a safe and warm holiday season.

For more information about building with natural gas, contact Eduardo Lucero at ealucero@txgas.com or (915) 680-7216.

2014 issue 12

2014 issue 12

Builders Outlook

President’s Message | Frank Torres President, El Paso Association of Builders

Here it is my last message as your president. I like to thank God for giving me health and time to be able to serve this association for 2014. Second I want to thank my secretary, lover, friend and wonderful wife Isela for all the support not only for 2014 but, for the last forty years we have been married. To all my board members, executive board, and our small but very productive staff, Ray and Margaret Adauto. Thank you. Ray thanks for pushing and insisting on me to be on the ladder and one day be able to serve as president, I could not have done it without your support, and you’re right, after experiencing this journey every president becomes a better individual not only for the association but, also for your family, your community and your country. I hope everybody enjoyed the installation dinner as much as I did, not because all the prizes I took home including Builder of the Year Award, or because Grandpa Tony Mullen decided to allow the bars to stay open all night but, it was a very well organized event thanks to the professional women council and our staff.

Congratulations to all the recipients of the very important awards, thank you for setting an example for this association and our community. My best wishes to Rick McGuire secretary treasurer of TAB and wife for making the trip and presiding over the installation of our new Board.

My last request as your president is that all members welcome the new executive Board headed by the incoming president Edgar (NMG) Montiel.

Please help by participating on everything the association has to offer, for the benefit of your business. I know Edgar and his executive board will do a great job for 2015. Thank you, happy holydays and our wish is that 2015 be a better year for all of us. Thank you again for the honor of representing you.

A new website and new home search engine powered by the El Paso Association of Builders.

Launching in early 2015

APPLAUSE! The El Paso Association of Builders would like to recognize our partners who made the 2014 Installation Dinner and Awards Banquet a big hit!

Diamond Level Stewart Title MTI Ready Mix Foxworth Galbraith Hunt Companies BMC Select Mini Concrete Materials Platinum Level Interceramic Tile and Stone Rocky Mountain Mortgage Cimmaron Mortgage Gold Level First Light FCU Sierra Title 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty HUB International

3

4

Builders Outlook

2014 issue 12

Perspective Ray Adauto, Executive Vice President EPAB

The end of 2014 signals one of those years you just want to salute and let it go. I can think of harder times but not one with so many complicated signals as 2014. In El Paso, unlike much of the rest of Texas, 2014 will go down in history as a down year for new home construction, an up year for regulation, and a mixed year for the local economy. Our members will sell fewer homes in 2014 than they did each of the last 6 years thanks in great part to over regulation and continuing do nothing congress. I have found that El Paso is a good predictor for things to come to other parts of the country and that doesn’t bode well if this is the case. While the industry should be blowing and going with low fuel prices instead we sit here with unsold inventory and government trying to find ways to pay its debt with increased fees to the home builders and contractors. Taxes add another layer of costs and when it’s all said and done builders either build it or they don’t. The numbers this year say they don’t.

A lesson should be learned from this but I am not optimistic that government will do that. Instead we’re being told to

End of year with big plans for 2015 brace for new codes, new requirements to “make it all safer” they say. My good friend Greg Bowling says it best: “Why are they trying to increase the mileage on the Prius while letting that ’74 Explorer continue to get 5 miles to the gallon”. The comparison is true since today’s new home is more energy efficient, safer and better constructed than homes from 20 or 30 years ago.

Yet the new cost of codes won’t affect those old homes and old pipes. Nope they’ll continue belching until they’re torn down or renovated. But then we’ll need to overhaul the old infrastructure and if Wedgewood and Montwood are any indication that would take years of work and a miserable life for anyone living there.

Our association is trying to fight unnecessary codes, but here’s where it gets interesting. You would think that government is trying to make things better, more efficient, safer, right? You would be among the majority who are wrong. They are doing this code change to get a better ISO rating.

What? What the heck is ISO? According to www.fireserviceinfo.com: “ISO - Insurance Service Office - This

is a, for profit, organization that provides statistical information on risk.

For many years the "ISO Rating" had a large impact on most fire departments.

The ISO (PPC) rating is from 10 - 1.

With "1" being the best. At one time, almost, all insurance companies calculated rates based upon the ISO rating. ISO would come to your city and assess a Public Protection Classification. They would then sell this data to the insurance companies. Just about every aspect of a city and a fire department was evaluated in determining the ISO rating. They would give points for everything from the training aids a fire department owned to the distance between fire hydrants. ISO wanted fire departments to conduct 20 hours of training per man, each month, in order to maximize points for every training aid. Historically, very few cities ever received a "Class 1" rating. There have been times where only one city, out of the nation, would receive a "1".

Presently there may be as many as 40+ cities with a "1" rating in the U.S. This is still a small percentage when one considers the thousands of communities nationwide. There is little

incentive for a community to strive for a "1" rating since the step from a "Class 2" to a "Class 1" results in little or no difference in homeowner rates. When a city does get a "Class 1" rating they will often proudly display it on their patches, apparatus or website.”

The city of El Paso continues that myth here: http://www.elpasotexas.gov/annual_rep ort/_documents/publicsafety.pdf Scroll down to the Fire Department first paragraph. There it is “to reduce insurance rates”, “prestigious”, “award winning”. Somebody should read the facts as presented above. Please City of El Paso… we need to be told the truth. Is the ISO PPC worth the additional costs to construction? When a city like El Paso, or the state of Texas is using a hammer like new codes over your head you have to wonder why.

And one needs to ask hard questions.

Like it or not this is the major reason the city of El Paso is forcing you to change codes. Unless of course you believe in the tooth fairy.

2014 issue 12

Builders Outlook

Industry News Housing Production Falls 1.6 Percent Following an upwardly revised rate last month, housing starts in November slipped 1.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.028 million units, according to newly released figures from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. Three-month moving averages for total and singlefamily production were at their highest levels since the Great Recession.

“These numbers are in line with our latest surveys, which show that singlefamily builders are confident that the market is gradually recovering,” said Kevin Kelly, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder and developer from Wilmington, Del. “Over the course of the year, the number of houses under construction has been on an upward trajectory, signaling that housing is moving forward,” said NAHB Chief Economist

David Crowe. “With strong demand, affordable home prices and favorable interest rates, we should see housing production continue to grow into 2015.”

Single-family housing starts were down 5.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 677,000 units in November, while multifamily production rose 6.7 percent to 351,000 units.

Regionally in November, combined housing production increased in the Northeast, Midwest and West, with respective gains of 8.7 percent, 14.4 percent and 28.1 percent. Total production dropped in the South by 19.5 percent.

Issuance of building permits registered a 5.2 percent loss to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.035 million units in November. Multifamily permits dropped 11 percent to 396,000 units while single-family permits slipped 1.2 percent to 639,000 units.

Regionally, the Northeast posted an overall permit gain of 27.4 percent. The Midwest, South and West registered respective losses of 7.3 percent, 10 percent and 5.6 percent.

National Green Building Standard Approved for Military Housing in NDAA The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) applauds Congress for authorizing the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) for all military residential construction, which represents 16 percent of the federal real estate portfolio. Passed today by the Senate, and last week by the House, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) will provide affordable choices in meeting military energy and water reduction goals.

“We commend the commitment of Congress to offer options in residential construction to maximize resources and cost effectiveness in military housing,” said NAHB Chairman Kevin Kelly, a home builder and developer from Wilmington, Del. “The NGBS is a costeffective green building rating system,

A W A R D E D

TEXAS BUILD E R O F THE Y E AR 2013

We build so you can GROW

the only residential standard approved by the American National Standards Institute. Its inclusion in the NDAA reinforces the NGBS as a market leader.”

Previously, the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program was the only green rating system specifically approved for use for new military construction projects. With the passage of this bill, Congress intends to have the Department of Defense consider all facets of certification going forward, including cost, when deciding among rating systems. Project managers can select the NGBS, LEED or the Green Globes program when choosing a green certification for new residential or remodeling projects.

Developers’ Sentiment Remains Positive The Multifamily Production Index (MPI), released today by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), reached 54 in the third quarter, four points below the previous quarter’s reading. This is the 11th consecutive quarter with a reading of 50 or above.

The MPI measures builder and developer sentiment about current conditions in the apartment and condominium market on a scale of 0 to 100. The index and all of its components are scaled so that any number over 50 indicates that more respondents report conditions are improving than report conditions are getting worse.

The MPI provides a composite measure of three key elements of the multifamily housing market: construction of low-rent units, market-rate rental units and “for-sale" units, or condominiums.

Although all three components fell from 2014 peaks in the second quarter, all remain at 50 or above. The MPI component tracking low-rent units dipped one point to 51, market-rate rental units fell four points to 64 and forsale units dropped six points to 50.

“Despite the slight drop in the index, multifamily developers remain positive about where the market is headed,” said W. Dean Henry, CEO of Legacy Partners Residential in Foster City, Calif., and chairman of NAHB’s Multifamily Leadership Board. “Current growth in employment is strong enough to fuel demand for multifamily housing.”

The Multifamily Vacancy Index (MVI), which measures the multifamily housing industry's perception of vacancies, rose three points to 41, with higher numbers indicating higher vacancies. After peaking at 70 in the second quarter of 2009, the MVI improved consistently through 2010 and has been fairly stable since 2011.

“We are seeing the MPI return to the mid-50s level where it has been for much of the past three years,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe.

“The moderation in multifamily builder sentiment aligns with a leveling off in production at a historically high level sufficient to keep up with rental demand.”

Historically, the MPI and MVI have performed well as leading indicators of U.S. Census figures for multifamily starts and vacancy rates, providing information on likely movement in the Census figures one to three quarters in advance.

6

Builders Outlook

2014 issue 12

Getting a mortgage is about to get easier

By Les Christie NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

For years now, if you didn't have near perfect credit and a hefty 20% down payment, chances were slim that lenders would give you a mortgage.

But that's all about to change.

That's because Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two governmentbacked mortgage giants that backstop a majority of all mortgages, have put new lending guidelines in place that should make it easier for borrowers to secure loans.

Not only are the two agencies lowering downpayment requirements and making it easier for loans to be classified as qualified mortgages, but more importantly, they have clarified when lenders will be on the hook if borrowers default.

In the past, Fannie and Freddie have been able to force lenders to buy back loans that have defaulted soon after it was issued, if any mistakes were made in the paperwork or if there was borrower fraud.

"Lenders have been real concerned about these buybacks," said Doug Lebda, CEO of LendingTree. "If problems arise with loans, the

[Fannie/Freddie] guarantee often fails when lenders need it the most."

Mel Watt, the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, acknowledged that the previous policy made it hard for lenders to understand exactly when Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac would require the banks to repurchase loans.

Under the new rules, any loans with no missed payments for 36 consecutive months after they were first issued will be backed by Freddie or Fannie should they default. The agencies will also allow two missed payments in the first 36 months without forcing borrowers into foreclosure.

And if private mortgage insurance, which is required for all low downpayment mortgages, is rescinded, say due to errors made in the underwriting process, lenders will not automatically be required to repurchase the loans.

"That makes the Fannie/Freddie guarantees more like real insurance," said Lebda.

According to Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, the buyback issue has been "the number one hindrance to mortgage lending lately. If it disappears, it would be a big boost to mortgage lending."

Freddie and Fannie have also said they will start backing 3% down loans.

Borrowers can currently get 3.5% down loans from the FHA, although they require borrowers to pay mortgage insurance premiums for the life of their loans.

The new low down payment loans

should help boost homebuying among low-income and first-time homebuyers, who have been conspicuously absent from the housing market over the past year.

Lenders already seem to be loosening up a bit.

Mark Palim, who oversees economic and strategic research at Fannie Mae, said average credit scores for approved loan applications have dropped slightly over the past few months and lenders are doling out loans with lower downpayments as well.

According to the Federal Reserve, nearly 14% of senior loan officers said their banks had gotten less strict in the three months ended in October.

Of course, lenders are not expected to return to the lax underwriting standards of the boom years. Banks are much more careful these days, making sure that all mortgages are fully documented, said Palim.

They don't want to look irresponsible, or worse, predatory.

"They're very concerned about reputational risk," he said.

El Paso Disposal

We wish you a W 772-7495

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

Showroom: 2131 Missouri 915 • 533 • 6045

fax • 533• 6096

Thomas R. Brown, Owner

࠮ stewart.com/el-paso

2014 ISSUE 12

Builders

7

Builders Outlook

utlook on the scene | Installation and Awards Banquet

el paso development news The year that was 2014: Top development stories that shaped our city AUGUST 2014

Mixed-Use Infill Development Planned for Northeast El Paso Proposed Project Includes Residential & Commercial Spaces with Zero Setbacks FA vacant property in a long-standing Northeast El Paso neighborhood will see new life as a mixed-use development, according to a current rezoning application with the City. The owner is proposing the project for a 0.23-acre property at 5101 Fairbanks Drive.

According to the project’s site plan, there will be six commercial spaces and two one-bedroom apartments created.

The commercial buildings will be easily distinguishable as they will have zero setbacks along Fairbanks Drive, which means the structures will be built along the sidewalk, with parking in the back.

The total area for the retail spaces will be 4,781 square feet. Some of the proposed uses include an art gallery, book store, and flower shop, though no tenants are named in the rezoning application.

The two residential apartment units will be located above the retail spaces

and will split a total of 1,509 square feet of housing space. A 190 square foot courtyard is also proposed.

The project will be built in two phases, with the retail spaces constructed first and the residential areas coming in the “medium term.”

Cavallion Developers, the company developing the project, is applying for rezoning from residential to General Mixed Use to allow for the unique center.

Mixed use designation allows for elements such as zero setbacks and reduced parking requirements if approved by the City.

No timeline is available for the project which will be built at the corner of Fairbanks Drive and Shenandoah Street, west of Rushing Road. The City Plan Commission will review the rezoning application at its July 17, 2014 meeting.

The Northeast El Paso mixed use project will include retail buildings with zero setbacks. Street trees are included in the zoning plan. (www.elpasotexas.gov)

MARCH 2014

Downtown: San Jacinto Plaza’s Next Phase of Construction Begins

This concept image of the eastern edge of San Jacinto Plaza shows an interactive “splash pad,” shade trees, and benches (City of El Paso)

The next phase in San Jacinto Plaza’s evolution into a modern park began recently in Downtown El Paso, with a groundbreaking that marked the beginning of the next stage of construction that is expected to last 12 months.

The first phase, which was completed late last year, included expanding the park by 10 feet in each direction. The new design took over the lane of parking that surrounded the plaza. Other phase one work included preparing the park for improvements.

Now, the next phase of the multi-million dollar renovation of the park will fill it with new amenities as well as keeping some of San Jacinto Plaza’s historical elements. A full-service café will be added on the western edge of the plaza and will most likely be leased out to a food vendor.

On the other side of the park, an interactive water feature will be lit with LED lighting, and a horseshoe/washer sand pit will be located just to its north. Other amenities include café tables and chairs, bike racks, drinking fountains, benches, activity spaces for table tennis and chess, and a stage.

Signage will also be installed throughout the plaza.

The large Afghan Pine that is used as the Christmas tree during the holiday season was saved and will continue to fill that role.

And the Los Lagartos sculpture, currently undergoing rehabilitation in Ohio, will once again take its place at the plaza’s center.

This time, it will have a shade canopy installed above it that will protect it from the elements.

Construction is expected to be completed in early 2015. The project was awarded in January to Basic IDIQ, Inc., a construction firm with an office in El Paso.

The groundbreaking was held Wednesday, February 26, 2014.

Builders Outlook Issue 12.2014

Content provided by El Paso Development News visit: elpasodevnews.com

NOVEMBER 2014

Whole Foods Market Site Plan Revealed, Includes Adjacent Shopping Center Whole Foods Market officially announced its El Paso location two weeks ago, verifying that it will build a new store on North Mesa Street on the West Side. Now, a rezoning application filed with the City shows the potential site plan for the property on which the grocery store will sit.

Plans show a 45,000 square foot store with a 5,000 square foot mezzanine for a total of 50,000 square feet of space for the Whole Foods Market, which will go up at the corner of North Mesa Street and Pitt Street, about 600 feet east of North Resler Drive. It will be situated towards the back of the property with parking located on the north and east sides of the building.

The main entrance will be located in the northeast corner of the store, with a secondary entrance near the northwest corner. This area shows "outdoor seating," potentially for an onsite eatery as Whole Foods tends to include in its newer stores.

The rezoning application also shows

an adjacent development planned immediately east of the store which includes multiple buildings. In all, the center will include 45,500 square feet of space available for retail, restaurant, and office uses. No tenants are named in the site plan.

The cluster of buildings are situated in a rough arc surrounding an inside parking lot, with some of the buildings lining North Mesa Street. Large trees may line the street with smaller trees planted throughout the property.

No official timeline has been announced for the development, though El Paso Inc. reported a possible completion date of late 2016 for the Whole Foods Market.

RIGHT: The site plan for a development which includes a Whole Foods Market shows its proposed location in West El Paso. An adjacent center may include restaurant, retail, and office uses. (Original Site Plan: City Council Agenda)

JUNE 2014

Ten-Acre East Side Retail Project Glimpsed in Development Plan Proposed Site Plan Presented to City as Part of 2002 Rezoning Agreement

A detailed site development plan is offering a glimpse at a future retail project slated for East El Paso. The 10.85-acre property is at the corner of Montana Avenue and Tierra Este Road.

The initial site plan shows a standard strip center layout with pad sites showing specific building footprints along with more general retail structures. Longer buildings are located towards the back of the property, near the boundary with Evergreen Cemetery to the east.

Across Tierra Este Road, a larger shopping center includes a Walmart Superstore, Lowe’s Home Improvement store, and several smaller retailers and restaurants.

The site plan is being presented to the City Plan Commission as part of a 2002 ordinance that allowed the zoning to change from Residential to Commercial.

River Oaks Properties of El Paso is listed as the owner on the current detailed site

development plan submission.

There are 296 parking spaces in the site plan, though only 152 are required by the City of El Paso. Another 15 bicycle spaces are planned. The City is recommending additional parking lot trees be added to the plan.

According to the development plan, the project will be built in two phases, with the portion of the property closest to Montana Avenue considered Phase Two. No timeline for the project has been disclosed, and the shopping center does not appear on River Oaks Properties’ website.

OCTOBER 2014

Aloft Hotel Confirmed for Downtown El Paso An Aloft Hotel location will open in Downtown El Paso, according to a press release issued today. The hotel, which is part of the Starwood Hotels group, will open in July of 2016.

The hotel will include 100 "loft-like" rooms, an indoor pool, a W XYZ bar, and 3,000 square feet of meeting space, according to the press release.

“Aloft is a great match for the dynamic city of El Paso and will appeal to the next generation of travelers with its urban design, live music at the W XYZ bar, and unbeatable location at the heart of downtown,” states Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands for Starwood in the press

release. “The enthusiasm of travelers worldwide is fueling the Aloft brand’s rapid growth as it approaches the 100th hotel milestone.”

Though no Downtown address or location is identified in the press release, the Aloft hotel will most likely occupy the historic Bassett Tower, a 15-story high rise at 303 Texas Avenue. The art deco office building, which was designed by Henry Trost and completed in 1930, is currently vacant.

The hotel is being developed by Bassett Partners EP and will be managed by Aimbridge Hospitality.

An Aloft Hotel will open at Bassett Tower in Downtown El Paso in 2016.

10

Builders Outlook

2014 issue 12

Expert Advice

Retirement Plan Limits for 2015 Joe Bernal Employees Benefits of El Paso

Reserve your advertising space in the 2015 edition of

Your New Home/Su Casa Nueva The most complete home buying guide in both English & Spanish

Contribution and income limits on certain employer-sponsored retirement plans adjust annually for inflation. The following limits will become effective on January 1, 2015.

•

• •

•

•

401(k)s, 403(b)s and profitsharing plans: Maximum salary deferral contribution: lesser of annual income or $18,000 Additional catch-up contribution for plan participants ages 50+: $6,000 Annual contribution limit (employer plus employee contributions): $53,000; $59,000 for participants age 50+ Compensation limit: $265,000 (Compensation your plan can consider when calculating employer matching contributions.)

The limitation used in the definition of highly compensated employee under Section 414(q)(1)(B) is increased from $115,000 to $120,000.

“Highly compensated individual” for nondiscrimination testing purposes: income exceeding $120,000 Defined benefit plans: • Maximum annual benefit: $210,000 (no change) • SIMPLE Plans (savings incentive match plan for employees) • Maximum contribution limit: $12,500 • Additional catch-up contribution limit for individuals age 50+: $3,000 Simplified employee pensions (SEPs): • Minimum compensation amount for participants: $600 • Maximum compensation limit: $265,000 Your firm doesn’t have a retirement plan? Adding one can enhance your ability to attract and retain employees.

Please call us to discuss your options.

The information presented and conclusions within are based upon our best judgment and analysis. It is not guaranteed information and does not necessarily reflect all available data. Web addresses are current at time of publication but subject to change. This material may not be quoted or reproduced in any form without publisher’s permission. All rights reserved. ©2014 The Insurance 411. Tel. 877-762-7877. http://theinsurance411.com.

This issue will include: • New mortgage information • Unique dual language layout • Great advertising opportunities Call Margaret today at 778-5387

You r Su C New Ho asa m N e

NO W to b i s t h e uy y bes hom o t e in ur new time El P aso !

Aho tiem ra es e l com po par a una prar c en E asa nu l Pa so! eva

ueva

2014 issue 12

11

Builders Outlook

EPAB Member News

UTEP Miner nabbed the first place trophy in the WestStar Bank-Don Haskins Sun Bowl Tournament. The tournament remains popular with visitors and locals alike and is the oldest holiday basketball tournament in the country.

Photo: elpasotimes.com

WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Tournament The oldest holiday basketball tournament in the country is??????

The answer is right here in El Paso and it’s the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Tournament.

This bit of trivia can make a good bar bet, but even better it gives the local basketball fans something to plan around during the holiday season.

Traditionally the host team is UTEP and this year was no exception.

Visiting teams for this year’s tournament included North Dakota State, Alcorn State and Kent State. After the first night’s action the WestStar tournament featured UTEP in the final against Kent State, a surprise winner against a good North Dakota State team. “We are so proud to bring this tournament to the people of the El Paso Las Cruces area once again,” said Larry Patton, President of WestStar Bank. WestStar has locations in El Paso and Las Cruces. “The Sun Bowl Association is wonderful to work with and with the traditional holiday Bowl game this tournament brings excitement and great basketball to our base,” he continued.

The event also reprises the role of Public Address Announcer for Ray Adauto, Executive Vice President of the El Paso Builders Association.

“For a decade and a half I called the games for coaches like Don Haskins and his successors including the great Tim Floyd, and I’m honored and thrilled to lend my voice to the tournament,” Ray told the Outlook.

Bernie Olivas, Executive Director of the Sun Bowl Association thinks this tournament has a life of it’s own. “You know we have a great Sun Bowl Game with the great Arizona State University and Duke University this year, but I think we have a great basketball tradition here, represented by the WestStar Bank Don Haskins tournament,” he said. “Where else would you want to put the legendary coach Haskin’s name on a tournament? Right next to WestStar Bank,” he continued.

For WestStar Bank it’s a matter of community. “We’re proud to be the sponsor of this tournament and remind everyone that we are El Paso-Las Cruces proud,” said Henry Tinajero, Vice President at WestStar Bank. We agree at the Outlook. Thanks for bringing us this tournament.

For All Your Electrical Needs Residential Specialists Tract Homes • Custom Homes

Total Customer Satisfaction

915-208-9313 602-708-7560

12

Builders Outlook

2014 issue 12

The sTory behind The sTory Builders Outlook talks to El Paso Development News d by Content provide ent News elopm El Paso Dev news.com visit: elpasodev

14 ok Issue 11.20 Builders Outlo

pment news el paso develo

el paso development news

tors: EP t hotel opera tes the by three airpor LP, which opera es Hotel Partners, ; Spokane Equiti any Radisson Hotel t comp ership, paren Limited Partn CP El and ; Hotel tt of the Wyndham tor of the Marrio opera the Paso, Ltd., filed a us claim was Hotel. A previo a "Cause Number" by ut year ago witho ne ers and Spoka CP El EP Hotel Partn on, although additi In es. a Equiti in the City's agendin the iff Paso is listed tors listed as a plaint three) hotel opera rt item, it is not Two (possibly Airpo ter of Actions.

International Paso online Regis the City of El near the El Paso of El Paso and EP In May of 2013, ge to EP City near the El Paso are suing the the highincentives packa cre retail project EP developer of awarded an ia Park hotel/ the nine-a a LLC, g the developer, op retail Vida, devel for the Acequ y and attached . A lawsuit namin next City Council Vida, LLC, to The timeline g Drive and Airwa d multiple times at the rise Westin Hotel planned for airport property at Boein airport has shifte ssed in Executive Session are tar hotel and complex that nel) vard into a four-s the agreewill be discu Chan Boule Vida, Vimeo n of ss two As part ot Desig land. uled to discu retail complex. meeting. (Ronk construct a ay, will The City is sched oper Tuesd on ment, the devel 220 rooms along tive session case as items in execu least g to EP pending legal hotel with at 2014, relatin retail comkept ia affected by the November 11, 0 square foot . In July, most likely be to build the Acequ ted to with an 80,00 ss the target time frame ons to well; details will project is expec Vida, which wants complex that 2014 as the Council will discu vote retail the plex. In all, the stated that revisi the sealed as City . A new , according to Park hotel and brand. The the developer ed closed doors cost $64 million e the Westin plat had delay case behind opts to would includ the property’s not sure ng legal case ed if the City tives agreement. ne pendi were incen timeli requir t's the be they is may Park projec Chapter first item Chapter 380 . project and that The Acequia d regards the e or amend the n would begin , with initial chang ructio times for le ved const while the secon dmultip Vida. groun EP package appro has shifted towards the when the delay of agreement with construction 380 incentives It is unclear if been year. to the plans to begin the project has the project last available, 2014, according breaking on case are not beginning of er of Details of the setting summ a item developer, later s on the agend but the name brought the lawsuit was indicate that

"

and Montana 2016. The Dyer eerfollow. planning, engin Corridors will After years of 's "like rail" bus Metro has ruction, Sun Brio is Sun Metro special 60-foot ing, and const es its first Brio Rapid system that includthat will arrive at finally launched The buses route. ) peak m (RTS articulated Transit Syste began minutes during ns every 10 route officially or statio d about a Corrid Mesa ns are space er 27, 2014. the hours. Statio running on Octob transit system held buses will have mile apart, and traffic signals El Paso's mass to lengthen green last month at Corridor ability n intersections. a "launch party" re. The Mesa certai route at Squa Mesa to land the for Paso Cleve Downtown El The project cost by the route runs from r, with 22 , funded in part Transfer Cente is $27.1 million on. More the Westside it Administrati round trip.

Federal Trans of found at sunstops along the or is the first ation can be The Mesa Corrid , with the Alameda inform l. routes metro.net/brio.htm in four planned ed for completion Corridor plann

" r UTEP wntown, Nea Locations Do

the first floor foot space on 1,834 square will occupy a Schlotzsky's of El Paso) Building. (City of the Mulligan

!

at the fleet, pictured Metro’s Brio is part of Sun articulated bus This 60-foot (Sun Metro) Glory Road stop.

a item. It may ding to the agend will get accor ination Paso buildings rant, open as a comb Two City of El ding to nabon restau tenants, accor Schlotzsky's/Cin ne or a. The new restaurant ruction timeli Council agend though no const been disclosed.

City 's week this Road has the and the Glory opening date is pending for City2 building eateries in the Another lease nal may see Terminal near Transit Termi Road Transit s.

(UTEP).

Glory month g Paso the comin will lease Texas at El 's restaurant University of lessee is A Schlotzsky Mulligan the lease, the at the City's According to storefront space ah Lounge, LLC. alcoPaso, one of El Hook tra town Suma that food and Building in Down in the historic strucs The lease states be allowed, but space retail two will El Paso) holic beverages on the to the ture. (City of be prohibited name given smoking will sits on City2, the civic the terminal Downtown serves an Building in premises since terminal also historic Mullig for lease, two storefronts UTEP land. The e next door to the shop is El Paso, has garag 's sandwich as a parking and a Schlotzsky in one of the Center. ins Hask up Don Road d at 218 poised to open at the Glory A retail space building is locate street d to a The lease s. be space s the nal will in a Street, acros Transit Termi N. Campbell rant and/or bar possible restau orange 's from City Hall. ted here by the of the Schlotzsky space indica ) The operator ar lease le.com/maps feet and seeking a 10-ye arrow. (goog restaurant is 3,750 square e foot This space is the ed 1,834 squar for the plann east corner of two additional south for the in e. The option sits space, with an Cincinnati Avenu City will periods. The structure, along a five year lease with five year lease nts to the interior to ng s. No lessee is seeki make improveme tion prior five year option space" condi two additional is included in bring it to "shell or opening date ne timeli over. it to turning ment. spend operator will the lease agree space, Schlotzsky's to improve the about $500,000

"

!

!

10 near el to Interstate largely parall Paso. It a of Texas at El officials held d the the University State and local the now ue south aroun this week for will then contin Chihuahuita neighgroundbreaking ssway and r West Expre Union Plaza ct with the currenamed Borde Paso. The project, conne and ods El borho project in West Highway Loop 375. n as Border rent new a know rly ssway forme Downtown, a tolled expre Southeast of constructed that West, will create loop around the city. hange will be the ection proj- interc and complete near the inters of the 7.4 mile will create ramps and Coles Street in The largest part ruction of a fourconst comof Paisano Drive allow track will ect will be the Race This stretching from South El Paso. non-tolled lane tollway and exit the Loop 375's West Side to muters to enter r Highway.

Drive on the Street n of the Borde at Santa Fe us the portio re, termin t www.elpasobuilders.com curren it Joint Ventu town El Paso.

Abrams-Kiew created south of Down the project, has is located along contractor on work: Racetrack Drive south of Interstate " of focused just four "Work Areas Park Street to Paisano Drive Park from y of Sunland ster Work Area 1 (Schu 1966 10 in the vicinit Spur northnorthwest of Drive. project Area 2 from portion of the Extension); Work to Downtown; This 5.6 mile with two 1966 letely tolled, west of Spur reconstrucfrom will be comp which is the direction. It runs Work Area 3, Downtown; lanes in each general375 south of no Park area south the tion of Loop the Sunland d 4, the Coles-Paisa Area Road aroun Work '41along @4 Paisa -::A-8no 5:?@-88-@5;: -:0 &-99E 5? ?; 01?1>B5:3 ;2 @45?

-C->0 I and ly Executive #A@8;;7hange H -9. 21185:3 C-? 4180 -@ @41about !->>5;@@ !571 @;80 @41 Interc -C->0? 05::1> rty until x prope run Ceme 8 $-?; 4;@18 ;: >50-E where it will 85@@81 C->9 -:0 2AFFE >534@ :;C - 85@@81 vard 1/19.1> Center Boule

Builders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

"1D@ @41 A5801> !19.1> ;2 @41 ,1-> C-? -::;A:/10 .E !->7 E1> $-?@ $>1?501:@ 2>;9 *5:@;: ??;/5-@1?

'41 -C->0 C1:@ @; 09A:0; 1:- 2;> H @ C-?

45? C;>7 -? <>1?501:@ 2;> - 3>1-@ E1-> 2;> @41 9;?@ <->@ -:0 4-B1 @; ?-E @4-@ ;A> .;->0 -:0 1D1/A@5B1 31@? - 8;@ ;2 />105@ 2;> @4-@ I 1:- ?-50 H -9 4A9.810 @; 4-B1 ?1>B10 -:0 @; 31@ @45? -C->0 I 41 /;:@5:A10 !571 &-:@-9->5- $-?@ $>1?501:@ -:0 8-?@ E1->K? $-@ ;D 521@591 C->0 -C->0 C5::1> -::;A:/10 @41 C5::1> &-9 &4-881:.1>31> 2>;9 *1?@1>: *4;81?-81 &A<<8E H /-: ?-E C5@4;A@ - 0;A.@ 5: 9E 95:0 @4-@

utlook

19;@5;:-8 52 E;A C;A80 -@ @45? -C->0 I ?-50 &4-881:.1>31> H @ 5? @41 .5331?@ -C->0 KB1 1B1> 3;@@1: -:0 C;A80 8571 @; ?-E @4-:7? I 41 /;:@5:A10 '41 ;:;>->E 521 !19.1> -C->0 5? <>1?1:@10 5:2>1=A1:@8E .A@ @41 -??;/5-@5;: /;A80:K@ ?11 4;805:3 ;22 -:E 8;:31> -? %A0E A18 -::;A:/10 E1-> ;80 @41 1534@4 >1/5<51:@ 5: @41 -??;/5-@5;: -1F- &> C-?

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

2014: issue 1

the first and 4 will be Work Areas 1 truction n start. Cons to see constructio

t should be million projec on the $550 fall of 2017. completed in

now and kiosks are wayfinding signs development, planning and 28 directional After years of town El Paso. ding kiosks and around Down es 18 wayfin townelpaso.com. being placed ding to down the project includ of accor m s, phase mediu ninelight fixture The first two sizes, a to existing street will come in lighting powsigns attached generally four-sided and es overhead kiosk that includ The kiosks are 12-foot high of El and a larger t for the City foot tall kiosk, ging the projec panels. mana is solar t by Distric ered last Management was installed The Downtown Paso El in Downtown Paso. wayfinding kiosks by solar panels. first the of red LEFT: One lighting powe es overhead week. It includ .com) (downtownelpaso

$

ed opment plann an adjacent devel of the store which lly east Market officia immediately In all, the Whole Foods on two le buildings.

El Paso locati e feet includes multip build a 45,500 squar announced its r will include ing that it will restaurant, weeks ago, verify Mesa Street on the cente ble for retail, named North of space availa are ts ation tenan new store on No a rezoning applic and office uses.

West Side. Now, shows the potential ed City in the site plan. the ngs are situat filed with the rty on which cluster of buildi prope The inside the an for site plan surrounding will sit. in a rough arc of the buildings foot grocery store e some with squar 45,000 parking lot, Large trees Plans show a Mesa Street. e foot mezzasquar North trees lining 5,000 er e feet of store with a street with small of 50,000 squar may line the rty. nine for a total Market, hout the prope Whole Foods planted throug ne has been space for the r of North No official timeli up at the corne nt, which will go the developme t, about 600 and Pitt Stree announced for a possi. It will Mesa Street Inc. reported the Resler Drive though El Paso late 2016 for of feet east of North the back of the date ds ble completion be situated towar g located on the Market. parkin Whole Foods ng. property with sides of the buildi d in developeast a for and plan north site ce will be locate RIGHT: The The main entran r of the store, with es a Whole Foodsin includ which corne ment location the northeast the norths its proposed entrance near Market show center may a secondary s "outdoor An adjacent This area show office West El Paso. west corner. rant, retail, and tially for an onsite Council include restau to seating," poten Site Plan: City Foods tends uses. (Original eatery as Whole r stores. da) newe Agen its in s e show includ application also The rezoning

C->0 *5::1>? C1>1 //1:@

;91?

*1?@&@-> -:7 $5/@A>10 -.;B1 ! &-9 &4-881:.1>31> *1?@1>: *4;81?-81 &A<<8E :/ " -1F- &>

$>195A9 ! + (& 1B18;<91:@ 8-:0 G />1? *588 5B501 !5D10 (?1 ;991>/5-8 %1?501:@5-8 !A8@52-958E '>-/@? &5:381 -958E %1?501:@5-8 ;@? %# %& ) #$ %& ( %& * #!

#

& % $ "! %& %"-% , "!& ! " "!%-

"

#

A new mixed-use project for Union Plaza in El Paso is getting underway. This rendering shows the building after completion. (Courtesy Liev Arch)

ization successful, according to Lievanos, and this project will help to do that.

“We have all this entertainment, but hardly anybody lives nearby,” says Lievanos. “This was an opportunity to take a historic building and revitalize it for that purpose. Residents will be able to go down and get a bite to eat, grab some coffee, and like having that nearby without having to leave the area.”

Indeed, the new project is just steps

away from multiple restaurants, bars, and shops that have opened up in recent years as part of Union Plaza’s renaissance. Also nearby: the brand new Triple-A baseball stadium that opened this year, just two and a half blocks to the north.

The developer hopes to have the project completed in the first half of 2015, perhaps by March or April. The contractor on the project is Devo Design & Construction of El Paso.

Blackbird Cantina transforms a Downtown laundromat. (facebook.com/Blac kbirdcantina)

!"

Give your customers the ‘option of the sun’ Now more than ever, El Paso home buyers are planning for the future.

The drive along Sun Bowl Drive on the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) campus just got a lot more artistic thanks to a new public art installation along the street. “Mandala Sunrise” will greet drivers at the new roundabout at the intersection of Sun Bowl Drive and Glory Road.

The public art piece, designed by Koryn Rolstad of Seattle (www.krstudios.com), consists of dozens of upright pipes towering over the roundabout decorated with hundreds of colorful resin wings. At night, the piece includes special nighttime lighting.

According to Rolstad’s Facebook page, the piece “celebrates the unique and remarkable blending of cultures embodied by University of Texas at El Paso’s special relationship and partnership with the Kingdom of Bhutan.” She calls the installation “highly engineered,

yet lyrical,” taking inspiration from the environment of the Southwest.

Mandalas are spiritual and religious symbols often represented in different cultures, including Buddhism. The Kingdom of Bhutan is largely Buddhist, and the sculpture continues the tradition of tying UTEP to the Asian country. The relationship began in the 1910’s when the school’s newest buildings were designed using influences from Bhutanese monasteries.

The roundabout was constructed earlier this year as part of the Sun Bowl Drive widening project. Another roundabout at UTEP, this one at the Schuster Avenue extension, will also get a piece of public art in the future from New York-based Donald Lipski. The Schuster extension project is scheduled for completion in late spring of 2015.

Each month the Builders Outlook centerspread is dedicated to El Paso Development News a service run by Armando Landin. Armando began his reporting on new construction activity as a hobby though many people were wondering how Armando was able to get so much information most people thought was confidential. The Builders Outlook sat down with Landin to ask a few questions and present him with a token of our appreciation.

BO: Armando thank you for taking time out of your schedule to visit the association.

Landin: It’s my pleasure. I am so glad my information is being published in the Builders Outlook.

BO: We’re happy that you write for us and your blog. Tell the readers how you got into writing about new development in El Paso?

Landin: I was always fascinated with the construction going on here, but my interest peeked when downtown was being redeveloped. I thought that there must be a way to find out what’s coming and I couldn’t find a source good enough to get the big picture.

BO: So you were frustrated with having to search and you came up with the idea of a blog?

Landin: Yes I felt like there must be others wanting to keep up with downtown and they were as frustrated as I was in looking. So I just started to search different places and soon I got pretty good at it.

Border Solar can help you offer your customers solar power as a sensible alternative.

Crossing to Clean Energy

7365 Remcon Circle El Paso, TX 79912 (915) 613•4168

www.bordersolar.com

The future starts today. follow us on twitter and facebook: BorderSolar

A detailed site development plan is offA A prime corner in Far East El Paso will be home to a 500,000 square foot shopping center in the coming years, and details are emerging regarding its layout and possible retail tenants. Montana Commons will begin construction in 2016 at Montana Avenue and Joe Battle Boulevard on land that was previously slated for the El Cruzero smart growth development.

The shopping center will be laid out in a traditional power center fashion, as indicated by the site plan, with large box

% $

$"'! "!

BO: Yeah we think the information is outstanding. You find things others seem to miss. Why do you think that happens?

Landin: it takes a lot of time to develop your sources, places to search, talking with people. Everything I compile has been made public already but sometimes the information isn’t as easy to find. I rely on public records, filings, and documents. I’m now starting to get “fans” that send me snippets of information or maybe a rumor or two for me to check out.

BO: I guess you have to filter that information?

Landin: No doubt but that’s what I love to do, more of the search than reporting it. When I see something

)

Ground was broken last week on a new multi-million dollar Sierra Providence Health Network (SPHN) hospital in Northwest El Paso that will take shape at the corner of Transmountain Road and Resler Drive. Officials touted their partnership with Texas Tech University Health

"!%&$' & "! # & ! !&" + !"( & "! $" & Work Begins on Central Shade Structure that will Protect 'Lagartos' Sculpture

#

The “Mandala Sunrise” public art piece adds color to Sun Bowl Dr. (www.facebook.com/KorynRolstadStudios)

stores along the back of the development and smaller shop and restaurant buildings closer to the street. Large parking lots will be located in front of the stores.

The site plan shows that the largest tenant may be a 140,000+ square foot Sam’s Club location, which includes a fuel island near Montana Avenue. Two other possible stores include an Academy Sports & Outdoors location and a Burlington discount store. Like other tentative retail centers, the list of possible tenants is dynamic and may change before ground is even broken.

The 60-acre site was formerly part of the El Cruzero smart growth community that was canceled last year when the land was sold to River Oaks Properties of El Paso, the company that is now developing the Montana Commons project.

El Cruzero envisioned a hotel block, mixed-use buildings, residential homes, and a town center for the area now being developed as Montana Commons. When River Oaks purchased the property last year, the developer told El Paso Inc. it might develop a portion as “Town Center on the Loop,” though there were no official plans on the drawing board.

Last week, in an El Paso Times story

Shopping Center Plan Replaces Former ‘El Cruzero’ Smart Growth Layout

Ground was broken last week on a new multi-million dollar Sierra Providence Health Network (SPHN) hospital in Northwest El Paso that will take shape at the corner of Transmountain Road and Resler Drive. Officials touted their partnership with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in making the facility a teaching hospital.

The hospital will eventually have 140 beds for patients and will eventually host approximately 75 medical residents in a multi-year program.

Once completed, it is expected to generate about 300 jobs. Look for completion in 2016.

!

@; 0-:/1 ;F1:? ;2 @;E? C1>1 0;:-@10 .E @41 3A1?@? -:0 @4;?1 C588 .1 05?@>5.A@10 @; :110E /4580>1: .E @41 A:5;> *;91:K? 8A. ;2 8 $-?; $19- ->/5- <>1?501:@ ;2 @41 * @4-:710 -88 @41 3A1?@? 2;> @41 />5@5/-8 0;:-@5;: H#A> C;91: C588 4-:0 @41?1 ;A@ @; 81?? 2;>@A:-@1 /4580>1: >534@ 4>5?@9-? ,;A -88 4-B1 .12;>1 ;A@0;:1 E;A>?18B1? @4-:7 E;A 2;> @41 352@? I ?41 /;:@5:A10

09A:0; 1:$5/@A>10 -.;B1

"

access to future retail spaces on the basement level. Stairs on either end will take pedestrians to and from the courtyard, with a lift included for those needing ambulatory assistance. Tenants of the basement level retail may be able to lease part of the courtyard for additional seating, if needed.

Renderings for the courtyard space show a variety of landscaping and paving elements, seating areas, and a water feature at one end. And, in addition to providing access to the basement level retail, the courtyard will connect to another building owned by the same developer. That building, known as the Coffee Bean Building, will be developed as phase two of the project.

The upper floors will have a total of 13 apartment units, according to Lievanos, ranging in size from 400 to 500 square feet. Rates for the small apartments, though not set, should be in the same range as those found at The Mix across the street.

Two rear catwalk balconies will be accessible by residents and will hover over the sunken courtyard below.

Materials used will include exposed steel columns, beams, and railings that “reflect a modern twist to the historic Union Plaza train district.”

Parking availability for tenants has not yet been finalized. A nearby lot may be utilized for this purpose.

Adding more housing options to the area is key to making Downtown revital-

Public Art Piece Highlights Relationship Between the University and Bhutan

09A:0;J 1:-

@419 I 41 /;:@5:A10 $1@1 ,1331 - /45804;;0 2>51:0 ;2 ;. ;C85:3 @41 :1D@ 4;:;>11 @;80 @41 -A051:/1 -.;A@ @41 1->8E E1->? ;2 '>;<5/-:- -:0 4;C ;. 3;@ ?@->@10 H*1 C1>1 750? 5: ?/4;;8 -:0 41>1 C1 ->1 ;B1> 252@E E1->? 8-@1> ?@588 2>51:0? -:0 ?@588 0;5:3 .A?5:1?? @;31@41> I ,1331 @;80 @41 #A@8;;7 H ;C1 C4-@ 4-B1 @; 3>1-@ <1;<81 9E 2-958E -:0 9E 8;B18E C521 $-A81@@1 2;> -88 @4-@ C1 4-B1 C5@4 ?<1/5-8 @4-:7?

-:7 @; ;0*1?@&@-> 2;> -88;C5:3 91 @; 0; C4-@ C1 0; I ;C85:3 ?-50 -? 41 -//1<@10 @41 -C->0 '41 8-?@ ;2 @41 4;:;>11? C-? -/7 ;C:1> ;2 *5:@;: -:0 *5:@;: ??;/5-@1? :/ C4; C-? 5:@>;0A/10 .E 09A:0; 1:- H -9 4;:;>10 @; 4-B1 .11: ?181/@10 -? - $5;:11> -:0 -8@4;A34 -9 5: 9E K? 2118 8571 ?@588 4-B1 9;>1 @; 35B1 I 41 @;80 A? H!E C4;81 <458;?;<4E 5: 8521 5? @; @>1-@ <1;<81 C5@4 >1?<1/@ 4;:1?@E -:0 /;995@91:@ @; 0; @41 >534@ @45:3 I 41 @;80 @41 -A051:/1 1 @41: C1:@ ;: @; >1/5@1 2>;9 919;>E @41 H A5801>? $>-E1>I - .1-A@52A8 <>-E1> ;A@85:10 5: !> *5:@;:K? .;;7 H@41 ;A?1 @4-@ -/7 A58@I '41 1B1:5:3 /;:@5:A10 5:@; @41 1->8E 9;>:5:3 C5@4 9A?5/ <>;B5010 .E !5/4-18 >9?@1-0 C4; 9-?@1>2A88E <8-E10 @41 9A?5/ 2;> @4;?1 C4; ?@-E10

!

Development Includes Apartments & Retail with a Sunken Courtyard Construction will soon begin on the transformation of a vacant Downtown El Paso building into a mixed-use structure with retail and apartment elements. The building, located at 513 West San Antonio Avenue, can be found in the historic Union Plaza district on the western edge of Downtown.

The long, narrow building will contain retail on the first and basement levels, with apartments on the second and third floors. A sunken courtyard will be created along the back of the building with landscaping and a water feature.

According to the architect on the project, Carlos Lievanos of Liev Arch of El Paso, the structure dates to the early 1900’s. The renovation design maintains the historic character of the facade, with plans to restore the brickwork and add only a “Texas canopy” along the retail spaces on the street level. The canopy will help to showcase the retail spaces along San Antonio Avenue, he indicates, helping draw customers to the shops.

Lievanos was also the architect on The Mix at Union Plaza project nearby.

The only other major change to the front facade will be the addition of retail windows and doors, and the upgrading of windows on the second and third floors. According to Lievanos, the building has historically been used this way, with retail on the ground floor and apartments on the floors above.

The idea behind creating a sunken courtyard in the back is to provide

Content provided by El Paso Development News visit: elpasodevnews.com

Builders Outlook Issue 9.2014

The location for a new Corner Bakery restaurant in East El Paso has been selected, according to an item on the City Plan Commission’s (CPC) agenda. The new eatery will be built at 1311 Airway Boulevard, at the intersection with Edgemere Boulevard.

The restaurant will be built at the site

! * # $&

of a former golf shop in front of a relatively new TownePlace Suites by Marriott.

The GECU headquarters building is located across Edgemere. It will be the fourth Corner Bakery location in El Paso, with two also located on the East Side and another located on the West Side.

In the Northeast part of town, a CVS could be coming to a property near the corner of Dyer Street and Diana Drive.

An item also set for consideration by the CPC has a label titled “CVS Subdivision,” though the site plan does not show the actual store.

The application includes two commercial lots totalling 1.97 acres, across Diana Street from the future Northgate Transit Oriented Development being advanced by the City of El Paso. Officials have remained mum on that project since the bidding period closed last year.

CVS has been steadily expanding in the city after opening its first store in Downtown El Paso in early 2013. Since

!&%

# "!

The Montana Commons site plan has been modified to show possible retailer locations within the center. (Original site plan: LoopNet)

revealing the Montana Commons shopping center, there was no mention of “Town Center on the Loop,” though River Oaks did indicate it plans to sell off the remainder of the former El Cruzero acreage to other developers and home-

"$& ) %&

%"

Sciences Center in making the facility a teaching hospital.

The hospital will eventually have 140 beds for patients and will eventually host approximately 75 medical residents in a multi-year program.

Once completed, it is expected to gen-

then, it has opened a store on Zaragoza Road in the Lower Valley and has plans for a store on Mesa Street near UTEP and another on the East Side at McRae

builders.

Construction of Montana Commons will begin in 2016.

"%# & erate about 300 jobs. Look for completion in 2016.

At left: Rendering of the new SierraProvidence Hospital building in Northwest El Paso. (SPHN)

Boulevard and Wedgewood Drive.

No word on the timeline for either project. The CPC will consider both items at its July 31, 2014 meeting.

%& A unique, new condominium apartment building is going up in West El Paso. The Onix Apartments will bring a 58,000 square foot, four story structure to a vacant property off of Onix Drive near Sunland Park Mall.

Renderings of what the finished project will look like show a single building that surrounds a central courtyard which will include a swimming pool and water feature. Balconies will overlook the courtyard area, located at different levels throughout the building.

According to the project’s architect,

Carlos Lievanos of Liev Arch of El Paso (www.lievarch.com), the courtyard is “strategically located based on building orientation, site exposure and views to integrate light and privacy in response to the desert environment.”

Initial plans included a Phase II that would construct three more condominium buildings, a clubhouse, and a small retail space. However, only the current building under construction will be realized, as of this point.

No word yet on rental rates or availability for the apartment units.

obscure that leads me to point A then I look for point B and so on.

BO: So has anyone tried to skunk you, give you bad or false info?

Landin: Oh I’m sure but I have to feel comfortable that what I put out there to read is something I have a solid source to. I don’t want to say that the city is getting a franchise when there isn’t anything solid. There are enough good things going on that are real that you don’t have to make up stuff.

BO: Sometimes I see items you break being used by reporters, especially TV news people. They don’t often if ever give you credit for their stories?

Landin: By the time they borrow my material my readers know where it came from. I guess sometimes it could be unprofessional on their part but if it gets the word out about the new El Paso then ok. I might not like it and they should credit their sources.

BO: Has being published in the Outlook benefitted you?

Landin: Being associated with the EPAB by you including my articles really blows me away. I’m so honored to be in the Outlook. It looks great and you dedicate the centerspread for my work. Thank you so much. As far as benefitting I guess the best part is that I’ve picked up more readers to my blog and that’s always good.

BO: Now that our readers are putting a face to the articles we’d like to present this token of appreciation for your contributions to the Outlook.

Landin: This is a first for me, kind of an acknowledgment that it’s real. I absolutely love the Outlook and want to thank you for the opportunity to share my research with all of you. I think we have some exciting things coming in 2015 and I’ll find them and report back to you.

BO: Anything you want to scoop now?

Landin: No, just continue to read it in the Outlook and follow me on my blog at www.elpasodevnews.com

2014 Issue 12

13

Builders Outlook

www.elpasobuilders.com www.epbuilders.org

Membership News UPCOMING EVENTS | JANUARY 7 ASSOCIATES MEETING 4:00 EPAB OFFICE

JANUARY 14 BOARD MEETING 12 NOON EPAB OFFICE

JANUARY 20-22 INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS SHOW & SURFACE EXPO LAS VEGAS, NV

INK PRINTING CENTERS

BELLA HOMES

STEWART TITLE GUARANTEE

FOXWORTH GALBARITH LUMBER

LORETTA BLANKENSHIP

PACIFICA HOMES

TRIM TEAM

JAN-CAR INC.

AUTOMATED DIVISION 6 BUILDERS

CAREFREE HOMES

CISCO HOMES

WEST STAR BANK

EDWARDS HOMES

SARABIAS BLUE SANITATION

SANTANA CUSTOM HOMES

LONE STAR TITLE CO. OF EL PASO

MOUNCE, GREEN, MYERS, SAFI

W. BENNETT JOHNSON

JB LAMINATES

TROPICANA PROPERTIES

TEXAS GAS SERVICE

POINTE HOMES

TROPICANA BUILDING CORP.

EC PLUMBING

PASSAGE SUPPLY

TROPICANA HOMES

CLASSIC AMERICAN HOMES

HUNT COMMUNITIES

CIMARRON MORTGAGE CAPITAL

CITY BANK TEXAS

HANSON ASSET MANAGEMENT

WINTON/FLAIR HOMES

RENEWALS |

CONDOLENCES | It is with profound sadness that I share with you the loss of Kelly Sorenson’s godson Jerry Mathew Potts III. Jerry Mathew lived in Albuquerque where his “Nina” would often visit him. Jerry Mathew had suffered for months from injuries received in an accident early this year and was just released from the hospital a few days ago. He passed while listening to Christmas songs with his mother, something that he enjoyed as a gifted singer himself.

As many are saying on his Facebook page “the choir in heaven needed a young strong voice”. Our deepest condolences to Kelly and her family as they go through this. Please say a prayer for them and especially for Kelly.

SODA SPONSOR

For the latest updates &

|

event information, visit: elpasobuilders.com

Thanks to our DECEMBER SODA SPONSOR: DEL RIO ENGINEERING

Jaime’s Courier Service,Inc.

915-549-4533 or 915-478-2404 Bonded, insured for your peace of mind.

14

Builders Outlook

2014 issue 11

Associates Council

Sam Shallenberger Western Wholesale Supply

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. Seems like it was just last month I was sitting in the Marriott Hotel having a beer with my good friend and soon to be PAST PRESIDENT come January 1, 2015. Time flies when you are having fun and it was a blast last year with all our events and great members. I would like to thank (Paco) aka Frank Torres for the fine job he did as president.

Next discussion I would like to have

is about Buckle up for Safety because our new President Edgar Montiel will start the New Year with the after burners on and we will be taking off. I am looking forward along with the rest of the associateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s council working with Edgar. He will bring two things to the association in 2015--- ENRGY and SMARTS! It should be a great year for the associates for business and we will have some cool events. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ask

for more than that. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve asked Ray to send out a reminder of our first Associates meeting for 2015 which is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7 at 3 pm at the EPAB office. Would like to see the place full of friendly facesâ&#x20AC;Śyours!

Please have a safe holiday season and a very prosperous NEW YEAR.

Advertise your business to the home building industry The Builders Outlook is the official publication of the El Paso Association of Builders. Our award winning monthly newspaper is the only publication to target El Paso home builders and related businesses.

Widely distributed throughout the city and available to readers online, the Builders Outlook is an important advertising medium for any business that want to reach this valuable market.

Call 778-5387 today for more information

The options builders asked for are right here.

Developed with the backing of the strongest insurance carriers serving the Texas building industry, the exclusive TAB endorsed insurance program offers new flexible options and rates that are more competitive than ever before.

Program Highlights t i"w SBUFE BENJUUFE JOTVSBODF DPNQBOJFT TFWFSBM PQUJPOT BWBJMBCMF t (- PĂŞFSJOH DPWFSBHF GPS QSPQFSUZ EBNBHF UIBU SFTVMUT GSPN GBVMUZ defective, or poor workmanship in your work t (- MJNJUT PG VQ UP NJMMJPO BOE IJHIFS BWBJMBCMF t &YQBOEFE QPMJDZ GPSN GPS DPNNFSDJBM QSPKFDUT t #VJMEFS T 3JTL NBTUFS QPMJDJFT NPOUIMZ SFQPSUJOH BOOVBM BOE POF TIPUT t 8PSLFST $PNQ UXP IJHIMZ DPTU FĂŞFDUJWF QSPHSBNT t &YDFTT -JBCJMJUZ GPS DPNNFSDJBM HFOFSBM DPOUSBDUPST t $PNNFSDJBM 6NCSFMMB

Contact your local approved agent today!

El Paso, Permian Basin and Surrounding Area )6# *OUFSOBUJPOBM *OTVSBODF 4FSWJDFT -BODF 7BO %FNBO $-$4

www.builderagentnetwork.com www.hubinternational.com

Builders

utlook

www.elpasobuilders.com www.epbuilders.org 6046 Surety Dr. El Paso, TX 79905 915-778-5387 • Fax: 915-772-3038 ■ execuTive oFFicerS Frank Torres – President GMF Custom Homes edgar montiel – vice President Palo Verde Homes carlos villalobos – Secretary Treasurer Palo Verde Homes Sam Shallenberger – Associates chair Western Wholesale edmundo Dena - immediate Past President Accent Homes ray Adauto – executive vice President El Paso Association of Builders Jay Kerr -Attorney of record

■ couNciL/commiTTee cHAirS Associates council Sam Shallenberger Build PAc Randy Bowling Desert Green Building council Javier Ruiz Land use council Sal Masoud Young Designer Award John Chaney remodelers council Rudy Guel membership retention Mike Santamaria, Greg Bowling Finance committee Carlos Villalobos Women’s council Lorraine Huit ■ ADviSorY To THe BoArD J. Crawford Kerr, Attorney, Firth, Johnston & Martinez ■ BoArD oF DirecTorS Beverly Clevenger, Automated Division 6 Builders, Inc. Leti Navarette, Custom Dream Homes Kathy Parry, Hunt Communities Edgar Garcia, Bella Vista Custom Homes, Inc..

Bud Foster, Southwest Land Development Services Juanita Garcia, ICON Custom Home Builder, LLC Walter Lujan, DAWCO Home Builders Joey Najera, Joseph Custom Homes Rigo Mendez, Mission Homes Nick Bombach, Casas de Leon, LLC Lydia Mhouli, Crown Heritage Homes JJ Vasquez, Pacifica Homes Dan Ruth, Millenium Homes Ken Wade, El Paso Building Materials Ruben Orquiz, MTI Ready Mix Kathy Carrillo, Pioneer Bank El Paso Henry Tinajero, WestStar Bank Chuck Gabriel, Carpets West Ted Escobedo, Snappy Publishing John Chaney, Passage Supply Joe Bernal, Employee Benefits of El Paso Linda Troncoso, TRE & Associates Orlando Rodriguez, Mass Media Advertising, Inc. Bret Thompson, Foxworth Galbraith Lumber Chris Worm, City Bank Texas Sal Masoud, Del Rio Engineering

■ TAB STATe DirecTorS Randy Bowling Greg Bowling

■ NATioNAL DirecTorS Bobby Bowling IV. Demetrio Jimenez NATioNAL ASSociATioN oF Home BuiLDerS (800) 368-5242

TexAS ASSociATioN oF BuiLDerS (800)252-3625

2013 Builder member of The Year Edmundo Dena Accent Homes 2013 Pat cox Award Sam Shallenberger Western Wholesale Supply 2013 Associate of The Year WestStar Bank Larry Patton, Burt Blacksher and Henry Tinajero

Honorary Life members Wayne Grinnell Don Henderson Chester Lovelady Cliff C. Anthes Anna Gill Brad Roe Rudy Guel E H Baeza Past Presidents committed to Serve Greg Bowling Kelly Sorenson Mark Dyer Mike Santamaria John Cullers Randy Bowling Doug Schwartz Robert Baeza

Bobby Bowling, IV Rudy Guel Anna Gil Bradley Roe Bob Bowling, III E. H. Baeza Hershel Stringfield Pat Woods

ePAB mission Statement: The El Paso Association of Builders is a federated professional organization representing the home building industry, committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community by providing affordable homes of excellence and value.

The El Paso Association of Builders is a 501C(6) trade organization. © 2014 Builder’s Outlook is published and distributed for the El Paso Association of Builders

by Ted Escobedo, Snappy Publishing ted@snappypublishing.com El Paso • Texas • 79912 915-820-2800