El Paso’s endangered historic buildings in dire need of refurbishing

EL PASO —  Many historic downtown buildings are in a state of neglect and disrepair, including some designed by prolific, well-known Southwest architect Henry C. Trost. Among the landmarks in serious neglect are several Trost buildings, and the Kress Building, designed by architect Edward F. Sibbert,  said Morris Brown, a Texas Tech professor and architect. According to the El Paso County Historical Commission, 12 buildings within the downtown area are “endangered,” a condition the commission defines as in risk of architectural and interior deterioration. Four of these 12  are registered in the National Register of Historic Places. The upper floors of some of the buildings are empty, while bottom floors are rented to vendors selling trinkets, clothing and other merchandise.