Loya Family Pledged Donation to El Paso Plaza
The Fred Loya family has committed a donation to support the 6.5-acre Downtown Deck Plaza project.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Fred Loya family has promised a donation to help fund the construction of the Downtown Deck Plaza in El Paso. The 6.5-acre park project will be built directly atop the I-10 interstate.
Why it matters
The naming of the park will honor the Loya family for their significant contributions to the community. This contribution adds to the substantial funding already secured from federal, state, and local sources.
The Downtown Deck Plaza project has secured various pledges including $25 million from the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization and $10 million from the Texas Legislature. The project is expected to generate $1 billion in economic output over 30 years.
The players
Fred Loya
Fred Loya is a prominent local benefactor whose family is contributing to the Downtown Deck Plaza project.
Texas Department of Transportation
The agency is overseeing the I-10 Revitalization project and must approve design plans for the park structures.
El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization
This regional entity has committed $25 million toward the development of the downtown park.
The details
The development will be constructed over the I-10 corridor following a design agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for necessary structural supports. City Council has also approved a $560,000 contribution toward a broader $10.6-million advanced funding agreement.
Timeline
The Downtown Deck Plaza project was formally announced in 2024.
The foundation announced the upcoming gift from the Loya family on October 12, 2026.
A news conference on October 14, 2026, will publicly announce the specific donation amount.
Market Landscape
This project integrates into the broader scope of the Texas Department of Transportation's I-10 Revitalization project to modernize infrastructure. By building over the interstate, the development positions El Paso to capitalize on long-term urban revitalization trends.
The park project is projected to drive $1 billion in economic output to the downtown area over the next three decades. Local residents may see changes to traffic patterns and transit during the construction of the structural deck over I-10.
The takeaway
This development highlights the growing trend of utilizing air rights above highways to create usable urban green space. Residents should monitor the official project updates to understand how construction phases may affect downtown commuting.
What happens next
The specific donation amount will be disclosed during a news conference scheduled for October 14, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest charitable initiatives and community investments in El Paso Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by El Paso Times.
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