Let’s face it! Facade program restores downtown buildings

EL PASO – A joint effort between the City of El Paso and Downtown Management District (DMD) has an aim to improve facades in Downtown El Paso.

Since its inception in November 2011, 16 projects have received facade grants, totaling $296,000. The investment made by the property owners receiving grants totals $9.8 million.

One of the newest recipients of the grant is the 90-year-old Gardner Hotel at the corner of Franklin and Stanton.

Owner Joe Nebhan is investing $150,000 to restore the front of the historic building and put its 3,000-sf basement back into use. Opened in 1922, the Gardner Hotel has 50 small rooms, four that operate as a youth hostel.

The hotel’s ground floor has four retail spaces. Pot Au Feu International Restaurant and 8 1/2 Bar occupy two of them. Construction is expected to take two months. The project received tax incentives from the city and $25,000 from the facade improvement grant.

The DMD board recently awarded a $25,000 grant to Hong Kong Express, which plans to invest $300,000 to restore a building at Third Ave. and El Paso St. in the Downtown Shopping District.