Visit El Paso: Recent Episodes
Visit El Paso
The Visit El Paso Podcast is a monthly podcast discussing the City of El Paso, it's attractions, events & culture. The show is hosted by Crysti Couture, Social & Multimedia Coordinator for Destination El Paso.
Corner of Santa Fe & Paisano St., 79901
Designed by Trost & Trost and opened on September 19, 1930, this two-story station has three engine stations, concrete sills and steel frame windows.
The White House Department Store/Hotel McCoy prominently sited as the terminal point of South El Paso Street, a major north-south axis between El Paso and Juarez, is an outstanding example of the Chicago School format. Since it’s opening in 1912, the first floor and basement housed the store, while the remaining six floors were occupied by the Hotel McCoy.
With structural and decorative elements cut sharply into taut ashlar walls of granite and terra cotta, the State National Bank exemplifies the Second Renaissance Revival style with detailed precision and bespeaks the skills of Trost eloquently. The structure represents not only the prominence of Trost as a major influence on the physical appearance of the city, but also the presence of the State National Bank as an important financial base throughout the growth and development of El Paso
Experimenting with the new structural possibilities of reinforced concrete, Trost designed the Richard Caples Building. When completed in 1910, the Richard Caples Building held the distinction of being the first reinforced concrete structure in downtown El Paso.
Built for Conrad Hilton as the El Paso Hilton Hotel, the present Plaza Hotel is significant as one of El Paso's early high-rise structures from the office of Trost and Trost. The style is Art Deco, and the exterior remains largely unaltered from its original form. Hilton, born in San Antonio, New Mexico in 1887, rose to international recognition as founder of one of the world's most successful hotel chains. The Plaza Hotel, located at Mills and Oregon Streets, is composed of a two story trapezoidal plan block attached to a rectangular fifteen story hotel tower topped by a smaller three story central block. Construction is of brick and concrete. Decoration on the first two floor facades, extending around the entire building, consists of simplified pilasters, stylized geometric Art Deco spandrels, and polychromatic roundels. A simple cornice crowns the two-story portion.
Perhaps one of Trost’s most extraordinary examples of stylistic expression is seen in the Palace Theatre, formerly the Alhambra, the facade of which displays a delicate overall tracery of arabesques and Islamic script. This is thought to be Trost's only design in the Spanish Colonial style with Moorish influences. Trost's choice of a Spanish Colonial format with Moorish influence preceded the 1920's vogue for that style. In the 21st century, this building was renovated and is now the site of Bowie Feathers and Tricky Falls.
At one time the tallest building in El Paso, the O.T. Bassett Tower rises fifteen stories with a strong vertical thrust in the setback skyscraper form which prevailed during the Modernistic development of the early 20th century. An elaborate entrance detailed with Art Deco design elements is the focal point of the southeast facade of the ground floor. Included in this composition are facial representations, one of which is believed to be a likeness of Trost himself.
The hotel was designed by Trost & Trost and opened in 1912. This brick and terra cotta structure was the "dream hotel" of early El Paso businessman and promoter Zach White. Designed by the noted El Paso architectural firm of Trost and Trost, the structure was engineered to be fireproof and was modeled after buildings that had survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Throughout its history, Hotel Paso Del Norte has served travelers and tourists, has been an El Paso social center, and has been used as a headquarters for cattle trading ranchers. Numerous dignitaries from both the United States and Mexico have been guests here over the years. The large hotel lobby features a stained glass dome over twenty-five feet in diameter. During the Mexican Revolution, it was popular to watch firefights between the revolutionaries and the Mexican Army from the terrace on the top of the hotel. Some of the notable people who stayed at the hotel include Gloria Swanson, General John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, General Alvaro Obregon, John Reed (journalist), Will Rogers, Enrico Caruso, Amelia Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt, the then Vice President Richard Nixon. In 2004, the hotel was extensively remodeled and renamed the Camino Real Hotel.
This building was constructed in 1908. Designed as the luxurious Hotel Orndorff in the early 20th century, the Hotel Cortez is an elaborate representation of the Spanish Colonial Revival style with strong Renaissance overtones. The assortment of decorative elements skillfully applied to the tripartite format of the brick structure attests to the artistic genius of Trost. In keeping with the Spanish influence are three-dimensional busts of helmeted conquistadores and Spanish court coats of arms. The new Hotel Orndorff, commissioned by Mrs. Charles DeGroff for $1,400,000, officially opened on September 10, 1926. On June 5, 1963, President Kennedy stayed overnight at the hotel.
Constructed in 1909 and 1910, as the Rio Grande Valley Bank Building, the Abdou Building, as it is known today, rises seven stories above the southwest corner of Texas Avenue and Mesa Street. The Abdou building, with its stark appearance, exhibits the structural and decorative capabilities of reinforced concrete, a medium explored by Trost in the early 20th century. In 1925, Sam Abdou, a prominent El Paso businessman who was actively involved in many philanthropic and civic affairs, purchased the building. Under his ownership, the building was leased to the American Trust and Savings Bank, of which he was director. Although this bank defaulted during the depression, Abdou remained at his post and personally saw that depositors were reimbursed for the funds that they had deposited.
The Alcázar basement was used by its owners lke and Frank Alderete in 1915 to store weapons for the Huertistas.
In this episode of the Visit El Paso Podcast, we talk about the USBC Open Championships happening now till July 12, 2015. We'll also discuss the "El Paso. It's All Good." movement and a few can't miss events for March 2015. Outro song is 'Love Don't Pay The Bills' by the Joe Barron Band.
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Hello. Welcome to our tour of the architectural masterpieces of the firm Trost & Trost in downtown El Paso.
The reasons why the Trosts chose to settle permanently in El Paso are clear enough. Ever since the arrival of the railroad in 1881, the population of the city had been exploding. What was once a small and unruly frontier outpost was rapidly transforming into a sophisticated modern metropolis. In 1890 the community counted just over 10,000 inhabitants, but by the time the Trosts arrived the population had already doubled. Thanks in large part to the railroad, El Paso soon developed into an important center for cattle, mining, banking, hotels, and garment manufacture. During the Mexican Revolution, between 1910 and 1920, thousands of new immigrants crossed the border, and soon El Paso was one of the largest American cities between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Ocean.
Henry was not only skilled at designing architecture in the Chicago and Mission styles, but also in the Neoclassical, Federal, Georgian, Prairie, Art Deco, Romanesque, Gothic, Italian Renaissance, Spanish Colonial Revival, Pueblo, Moorish, and Bhutanese styles. Downtown El Paso, with its eclectic variety of Trost edifices, is his primary legacy. Of the 38 commercial buildings Henry erected there, 27 are still standing, including the city’s most iconic and beautiful buildings. We hope that you will take the time to visit all of his wonderful masterpieces.
This walking tour draws upon extensive research conducted by June-Marie and Lloyd C. Engelbrecht and by the El Paso County Historical Commision. For more information on the architecture of Trost & Trost, please visit www.henrytrost.org and www.texastrost.org.
In this episode of the Visit El Paso Podcast, we interview Mike Coulter about the El Paso Marathon, happening on February 22, 2015. We'll also discuss the "El Paso. It's All Good." movement and a few can't miss events for the end of January. Outro song is 'Damage Control' by Soul Parade.
Socorro (help), took its name from Socorro, New Mexico, from which the Piro Indians fled following the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. Records show that Socorro was officially founded during a Mass delivered by Fray Antonio Guerra on October 13, 1680. Socorro's first permanent mission was in use by circa 1691.At that time, Socorro was comprised of sixty Piro Indian families and fifteen Spanish families. The mission was built by the Piros under the direction of Franciscan missionaries and dedicated as Nuestra Senora de Limpla Concepci6n de los Piros de Socorro del Sur (Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception of the Piros of Socorro of the South). Many of the parishioners refer to their mission as San Miguel (St. Michael), in honor of their patron saint; or as La Purisima, in honor of the Blessed Virgin, Forever Pure. When the 1740 flood destroyed the original structure, the parishioners replaced it nearby. That second structure was also lost to flooding in 1829. Rebuilding was completed in 1843. Archaeological evidence suggests that decorative, carved cottonwood and cypress roof supports called vigas (beams) and decorative corbels supporting the vigas were salvaged from Socorro's first mission, dating to circa 1691. Oral histories relate that the Piro people painted the designs on the vigas and corbels using plant-based pigments. The walls were constructed of adobe and finished with plaster. The front stepped facade with its center-placed bell tower has been com pared to the decorative design motifs associated with many Pueblo Indian tribes. The building represents the best elements of Indian and Spanish design still preserved in El Paso County. Other significant features of the Socorro Mission include the adjacent rectory, dating to the 1840s period of mission construction; the camposanto (cemetery) features four unique small descansos (structures) that serve as resting areas. The large open area in front of the mission recalls the former plaza, and adjoining portions of the acequias (irrigation system) also remain. The mission was completely restored through a ten year, community-based collaboration and reopened for use with a Mass on December 7,2005.
Spain sought to protect its interests in the northern frontier by establishing a network of presidios (military forts). A presidia was built in 1684 in El Paso del Norte. In 1789, a presidio named after San Elcear (San Elceario), the French patron saint of soldiers, was established at the site of the Hacienda de los Tiburcios, located some thirty miles downriver from El Paso del Norte. The settlement that grew up around the presidia became known as San Elizario (a corrupted version of San Elcear). The presidio included a post chapel that served the soldiers and their families. The flood of 1829 destroyed the original chapel, which was rebuilt in the same vicinity. When Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821,the importance of the presidio diminished. San Elizario gradually became a prosperous farming community and became the first seat of El Paso County government in 1850. The present-day chapel was completed in 1882. Since then, the exterior of the building has changed little, except for the front facade. The interior was damaged by fire in 1935and has experienced dramatic changes. A pressed-tin ceiling covers the original ceiling beams, and the plain wood columns have been boxed in by decorative posts. The San Elizario Chapel reflects the influence of European architectural styles on the earlier, box-like missions of the region. This large, elevated adobe structure anchors the plaza, and its imposing presence exemplifies the influence of the chapel on the surrounding community. Features of the surrounding landscape, such as the orchard to the east of the chapel, the plaza, and a substantial stock of adobe buildings that comprise the San Elizario Historic District, provide a setting compatible with the 19th century establishment of the present This brochure was a collaborative effort among the chapel. The formal rectangular grid pattern of streets, plaza and building orientation continues to reflect the elements of Spanish colonial town planning.
Ysleta Mission is the oldest continuously active parish in the state of Texas, and the community of Ysleta is the oldest town in Texas .The town was one of several agricultural communities started along the Rio Grande by Spaniards and Indians after the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. The Tigua Indians, who were forced to flee their pueblo at Isleta, New Mexico, have since occupied the area continuously. On October 12, 1680, the first Mass was held in Ysleta, and a temporary mission church was built. In attendance were New Mexico Governor Don Antonio de Otermfn, 150 soldiers, Spanish colonists and 317 Indians, including more than 100 Tiguas .In 1682,the Tiguas founded Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, and by 1692,the tribe built a larger mission, Corpus Cristi de los Tiguas de Ysleta. The Spanish term, del sur (of the south) differentiates the southern pueblo from the northern mother pueblo of Isleta, New Mexico. The church was also called the San Antonio Mission after the patron saint of the Tiguas. This building, dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, lasted until the disastrous flood of 1740, and was rebuilt in 1744 on what was then established farmland. The 1744 mission was later washed away by the flood of 1829. In late 1851the present Ysleta Mission was completed and reopened for services. The mission appeared as a simple, rectangular stack of blocks. The facade was later changed to a pitched, gable shape. About 1897, the gable was enlarged and a beehive-shaped dome bell tower was added. In 1907, most of the church was destroyed by fire. Only the sacristy remained unscathed. The church was rebuilt using the original sacristy and the remaining adobe walls. The gabled facade was stepped upward with Mission Revival detailing, limited fenestrations and unadorned surfaces, culminating with a high, central arch. The massive bell tower was also altered, adding the familiar silver dome, capping three centuries of natural disasters. The Tiguas are still loyal to their patron saint, San Antonio de Padua, whose name they identify with the mission. The Tigua feast day of San Antonio is observed on June 13, with a morning Mass followed by traditional dances. Our Lady of Mount Carmel feast day is celebrated around the 16th of July with a festive bazaar. The Tiguas, who helped the United States military as scouts during the 19th century Indian wars, were finally recognized as a tribe by the state of Texas in 1967 and by the United States Congress in 1968.
This very recently created mural was created with the message that despite the neighborhood’s difficult history, the people have stood strong and overcome their hardships. It does this through the depiction of two old Chicano musicians. The unveiling of this mural featured the musician Kiko Rodriguez playing Mexican corridos song.
The Palace Theatre, originally called the Alhambra, opened on August 1, 1914. It was designed by architect Henry C. Trost to be used either as a playhouse for live theatre or as a movie house. The theatre displays a Spanish Colonial format with Moorish influence, with the façade exhibiting a delicate overall tracery of Arabesque. Although it has been significantly altered for use as a nightclub, the original character of the building can still be seen.
In this episode of the Visit El Paso Podcast, we interview MCAD's Cultural Programs Supervisor, Ben Fyffe about the 7th Annual Chalk the Block Arts Festival, one of El Paso's largest, FREE events of its kind happening on October 10-12. We'll also discuss the "El Paso. It's All Good." movement and a few 'Can't Miss' events for October. Outro song is ''Sitting Alone" by Chuco Soul Project.
In this episode, we interview Nahum Avila about the 2nd Annual Sun City Craft Beer Festival, "hoppening" on October 4th. We'll also discuss the "El Paso. It's All Good." movement and a few 'Can't Miss' events for September. Outro song is ''Commonwealth" by The Black Coats.
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In this episode, we interview Doug Pullen and Eric Pearson of the El Paso Community Foundation about their annual Plaza Classic Film Festival. We'll also discuss the "El Paso. It's All Good." movement and a few 'Can't Miss' events for August. Outro song is 'Ska Girl' by Fixed Idea.
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In this episode of the Visit El Paso Podcast, we interview Neon Desert Music Festival organizer Zach Paul about the 2014 fest and give you a little something extra: a mini mixtape featuring a few local (Bulletproof Tiger, The D.A.) and national acts (Keys n Krates, Zedd, Hey Champ) performing at this year's NDMF! #ItsAllGoodEP
Episode 12 History Vault - First Thanksgiving in San Elizario: In this episode of the Visit El Paso Podcast - History Vault, we interview El Paso Historical Commissioner & History Museum Docent Michael Lewis about the First Thanksgiving, which actually happened in San Elizario, TX on April 30, 1598!
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In this episode of the Visit El Paso Podcast, we interview El Paso Live Event Marketing Manager, Christina Snodgrass about FREE summer series' Alfresco Friday, Cool Canyon Nights and Movies in the Canyon. We'll also discuss a few 'Can't Miss' events for April. Outro song is 'Rasta Mexica' by Radio La Chusma.
Episode 10 History Vault - El Paso Origins: In this episode of the Visit El Paso Podcast, we interview El Paso history journalist, Jackson Polk, about the origins of El Paso - from the very first paleo-indians that roamed here, to the Camino Real, Mexican Revolution and more.
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Episode 9 for February 2014 - In this episode of the Visit El Paso Podcast, we interview El Paso artists Tino Ortega & Juan Ornelas about the resurgence of the art scene in the Sun City. We'll also discuss a few 'Can't Miss' events for February. Outro song is 'Azure' by Avindale.
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Episode 8 for January 2014 - In this episode of the Visit El Paso Podcast, we interview Brent Sanders, organizer of the El Paso Puzzler Mountain Bike Race and Mike Coulter, Director of the Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon. We'll also discuss a few 'Can't Miss' events for January. Outro song is 'Game' by L.I.G.R.E.
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Interview with El Paso Puzzler Mountain Bike Race organizer Brent Sanders | http://puzzlerendurance.wordpress.com - 1:40 Interview with Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon Race Director Mike Coulter | http://elpasomarathon.org - 11:09 How to be a part of the It's All Good movement | http://itsallgoodep.com - 18:22 January 2014 Events | http://visitelpaso.com - 16:49 Local Music Spotlight, L.I.G.R.E. | http://electricsocialrecords.com - 22:59
Episode 7 for December 2013 - In this episode of the Visit El Paso Podcast, we interview Bryan Crowe, General Manager of Destination El Paso and Al Borrego, president of the San Elizario Genealogy & Historical Society. We'll also discuss the top 'Can't Miss' events for December. Outro song is 'Casa de Bandidos' by Bumpstreet Fonanza.
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Interview with Destination El Paso General Manager Bryan Crowe - 1:11 Interview with Al Borrego about San Elizario Posadas & Luminarias - 8:48 How to be a part of the It's All Good movement - 14:27 Official It's All Good Radio Spot - 16:16 December 2013 Events - 16:49 Visit El Paso Social Media - 21:48 Local Music Spotlight, Bumpstreet Fonanza - 22:59
Episode 6 for November 2013 - In this episode of the Visit El Paso Podcast, we interview Bernie Olivas, Executive Director of the Sun Bowl Association. We'll also discuss the top 'Can't Miss' events for November. Outro song is 'Stuff & Thangs' by Diluted Thought. http://dilutedthought.bandcamp.com
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Interview with Bernie Olivas about the Sun Bowl Games - 1:11 How to be a part of the It's All Good movement - 19:33 Official It's All Good Radio Spot - 20:45 November 2013 Events - 21:20 Visit El Paso Social Media - 27:27 Local Music Spotlight, Diluted Thought - 28:37
Episode 5 for October 2013 - In this episode of the Visit El Paso Podcast, we interview Ben Fyffe, Cultural Programs Supervisor at the El Paso Museums & Cultural Affairs Department about "Chalk the Block" and Karla Martinez, Marketing & Public Relations for the El Paso Zoo about "Boo at the Zoo". We'll also discuss the top 'Can't Miss' events for October. Outro song by Dirty River Boys.
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Interview with Ben Fyffe about Chalk the Block - 1:39 Interview with Karla Martinez about Boo at the Zoo - 11:06 How to be a part of the It's All Good movement - 19:08 Official It's All Good Radio Spot - 20:06 October 2013 Events - 20:39 Visit El Paso Social Media - 28:50 Local Music Spotlight, Dirty River Boys - 30:00
Episode 4 for September 2013 - In this episode of the Visit El Paso Podcast, we'll discuss the "Sun City Craft Beer Festival" which includes an interview with Nahum Avila, creator of the fest and owner of the upcoming Number Brewery. We'll also discuss the top 'Can't Miss' events for September. Outro song by Austin Jimmy Murphy, who will perform at Alfresco! Fridays on September 20th, 2013.
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Interview with Nahum Avila, Founder of the Sun City Music Festival - 1:54 How to get involved in the "It's All Good" Campaign - 14:40 Official It's All Good Radio Spot - 15:36 September 2013 Events - 16:08 Visit El Paso Social Media Commercial - 22:58 Local Music Spotlight, Austin Jimmy Murphy - 23:35
Episode 3 for July 2013 - In this episode of the Visit El Paso Podcast, we'll discuss the upcoming Plaza Classic Film Festival which starts August 1st. We also feature an interview Charles Horak, artistic director of the Plaza Classic Film Festival. As always, we'll also discuss the top 'Can't Miss' events for July. Outro song by Ivon Ulibarri and Cafe Mocha, who will perform at Dancing in the City on July 27th.
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Episode 2 for June 2013 - In this episode of the Visit El Paso Podcast, we'll discuss the "El Paso. It's All Good Movement" which includes an interview with Steffen Poessiger, VP for Mithoff Burton Advertising Agency. We'll also discuss the top 'Can't Miss' events for June. Outro song by El Paso band, Frontera Bugalu, who will perform at Music Under the Stars on June 9th, 2013.
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About the Digital Ambassador Program & the "It's All Good Movement" - 1:18 Interview with Steffen Poessiger, VP of Mithoff Burton Advertising Agency - 2:06 How to get involved in the "It's All Good" Campaign - 9:24 Official It's All Good Radio Spot - 10:29 June 2013 Events - 11:03 Visit El Paso Social Media - 18:25 Local Music Spotlight, Frontera Bugalu - 19:29
Episode 1 for May 2013 - This is the inaugural episode of the Visit El Paso Podcast, hosted by Crysti Couture. In this episode, we'll discuss National Travel & Tourism Week, the NEW Digital Ambassador Program and other cultural events for May 2013. Outro song by El Paso band, the Black Coats, who will perform at Neon Desert Music Festival on May 25th, 2013.