Episode 2 - DMD - Downtown El Paso

Episode 2: Plaza Classic, Kress Chisme, and What’s New Downtown

Episode 2 of Mi Centro: The Downtown El Paso Podcast, hosted by Ivan Bernal and Brenda Sanchez, continues the conversation around the people, places, projects, and events shaping Downtown El Paso. This episode brings together a mix of longtime traditions, new business updates, upcoming experiences, and everyday stories that show the different ways people connect with the district.

From the Plaza Classic Film Festival and a new Downtown coffee and cocktail lounge to Sun City Tiki, the Kress Building, Mata’s Fruit Store, and Downtown Employee Appreciation Day, this episode highlights what is happening now, what is coming next, and what people may not always know about Downtown.

A Classic Downtown Tradition

One of the main highlights of this episode is the Plaza Classic Film Festival, returning July 16 through July 26. The festival began in 2008 after the restoration of the Plaza Theatre and has grown into one of Downtown El Paso’s most beloved traditions. In our conversation with Doug and Lisa, they shared how the festival started as a way to bring movies back to the historic theater and has continued to grow into a multi-day celebration of classic film, community, and Downtown.

This year’s festival includes themes centered around music, Americana, and disaster films, with screenings such as American Graffiti, Purple Rain, Tommy, Pink Floyd: The Wall, Titanic, Jurassic Park, Airplane, and more. The episode also highlights special appearances from writer-director Gregory Nava, who will appear with Selena and El Norte, and Ann-Margret, who will appear during opening weekend with Bye Bye Birdie and Tommy.

Beyond the film lineup, the Plaza Classic Film Festival is also about the experience of being Downtown. From hearing the restored organ inside the Plaza Theatre to enjoying free outdoor movies on Oregon Street, the festival gives audiences a chance to experience the district in a unique way. With restaurants, hotels, museums, and entertainment within walking distance, it continues to be more than a movie screening. It is a Downtown experience.

What’s New and What’s Coming

Episode 2 also checks in on Proof & Press, a new Downtown coffee and cocktail lounge located at 305 E. Franklin Ave. After being teased in the first episode’s Chisme Corner, the new location is now open for coffee service as the team works toward becoming fully operational with cocktails, food, and a future grand opening.

In our conversation with Curtis, the general manager of Proof & Press, he shared the idea behind the concept. The name brings together “proof” for alcohol and “press” for coffee, blending specialty coffee and classic cocktails into one lounge-style space. The Downtown location is focused on fresh, in-house ingredients, including syrups, juices, sauces, bread, and menu items. Located beneath the Gardner Hotel, Proof & Press adds another new stop to Downtown’s growing coffee and cocktail scene.

The episode also spotlights Sun City Tiki, a new 21+ event from El Paso Live coming to the El Paso Convention Center on August 8. Stephanie and Yasmine shared how the event was created to bring something new to El Paso, offering a tropical escape in the middle of the desert. Guests can expect tropical cocktails, themed vendors, fire dancing, hula lessons, island performances, custom tiki mugs, and immersive décor designed to transform the space into a full tiki-inspired experience.

Chisme Corner: The Kress Building

Of course, Episode 2 also brings back Chisme Corner with an update on one of Downtown’s most talked-about properties: the Kress Building.

The Kress Building first opened in Downtown El Paso in 1938 as part of the national Kress Five and Dime chain. It later became McCrory’s and has been closed since the early 1990s. As shared in the episode, the building is not just another vacant property. It is a place that was once part of the everyday Downtown experience, where people could shop, grab a bite, enjoy coffee, and find everyday items.

Recent updates shared by Robert Monarez of Franklin Mountain Management during a Downtown Business Mixer included the vision to transform the three-level, 52,000-square-foot building into a food hall and entertainment space. Plans include a basement spa connected to The Plaza Hotel through a passageway under Oregon Street, a first-floor food hall with a soda fountain and diner-inspired concept, vendor spaces, community seating, a coffee shop, a service bar, and a full-service restaurant. The second floor is expected to include a sports bar, speakeasy, and space for private events or meetings.

The goal shared was to complete the project in November, with hopes of opening before WinterFest. While timelines can shift when working with a historic building, the Kress Building remains a major Downtown project to watch, with the potential to bring new energy, foot traffic, and activity to the surrounding area.

Did You Know? Downtown Has a Grocery Store

This episode also highlights Mata’s Fruit Store as a longtime Downtown grocery option located at 7th and Stanton. While people often talk about Downtown needing a grocery store, Mata’s has been serving the district since the 1950s, beginning as a fruit stand before growing into a full-service local grocery store with a bakery, butcher shop, groceries, snacks, food, and everyday essentials.

In our conversation with DMD Executive Director Joe Gudenrath, we talked about why everyday businesses like Mata’s matter. Downtown is not only a place people visit for events, restaurants, and nightlife. It is also a place where people live, work, shop, and rely on local businesses every day.

A Day Spent Recognizing Downtown Employees

That conversation also continues with Downtown Employee Appreciation Day, an annual DMD event created to recognize the nearly 15,000 employees who help keep Downtown moving. From baristas and construction workers to attorneys, retail clerks, hospitality workers, office employees, and service teams, Downtown employees are a major part of the district’s daily activity and local economy.

This year’s Downtown Employee Appreciation Day will take place in September, with more details to be announced. Like the episode itself, the event is a reminder that Downtown’s story is shaped not only by major projects and big events, but also by the people who show up every day.