Downtown El Paso’s reputation as the progressive heart of our city is growing. Only in downtown can you experience history, culture, border shopping, art, entertainment, great food, events, nightlife, government, sports and greenspace all within walking distance of each other.
It’s an experience that isn’t replicated anywhere else in El Paso or the rest of the country and it’s an experience that the Downtown Management District (DMD) is proud to promote.
The 2011 study by Strategic Communications Group told us that the community feels that downtown El Paso has the opportunity to position itself to be more competitive as a Texas/U.S. destination. The 2011 study by Hill and Knowlton showed us that to do so, we must highlight our current and unique assets. The study also revealed that El Paso must define the “true feel” of our downtown.
Taking these studies and after more research including: stakeholder interviews, public surveys, and many revisions, the DMD has developed unique icons and district names that embrace the differences of the experiences to be had in distinct parts of downtown.
What’s a “brand” you ask? It’s an identity, an introduction, an impression, an offering and an expectation all rolled into one. For the DMD, it’s also a tool for us to share all that Downtown El Paso has to offer.
In searching for that “true feel” of downtown and embracing the differences each district has to offer the DMD evolved the culturally fueled papel picado design already in place, chose relevant names to identify each area so that the entire picture of downtown was brought into focus.
These district identities are components of the overall umbrella brand of Downtown El Paso. The glass of the county courthouse reflects the spirit of local government in the Government District. The buildings in the Office District house organizations and businesses that add to city commerce. El Centro, formerly the Shopping District attracts patrons looking for a uniquely El Paso border shopping experience. Las Plazas, home to the Arts District and a collection of impressive plazas, such as San Jacinto Plaza, Arts Festival Plaza, and Pioneer Plaza add to the unique assets downtown has to offer. Union Plaza is the place to go for nightlife and entertainment.
Downtown El Paso belongs to all of us. The five (5) districts are made up of people that represent the rich diversity of El Paso, we urge you to come down and add to its flavor!
