Construction began July 25 to renovate the central business district of downtown Juárez. Details of the $4 million project have not been completely spelled out by city officials, which has concerned many small business owners. It is not clear how the construction will be handled, or how many shop facades may be remodeled or even destroyed.
However, city planners are clear on the three main objectives of the renovation: 1) More than $2.5 million will be spent to resurface streets and sidewalks, bury powerlines, and rework sewers and waterlines; 2) The former city hall building will be turned into a museum at a cost of $1.2 million; 3) Gardens, benches, and turn-of-the-century light fixtures will be added to the central cathedral's plaza.
The remodeling of the downtown is expected to be ongoing from August to November. The central business district is the area heavily frequented by shoppers and tourists from the United States.
Sources: El Paso Times, Diario de Juarez