Tax Credit Program Highlight: Martin Building

El Paso, El Paso County

1917

Designation	Individually listed in the National Register, Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Historic Use	Offices
Current Use	Retail, office, and apartments
Total Rehabilitation Cost	$7,400,000
Qualified Rehabilitation Expenses	$7,000,000
Date Certified	February 17, 2016
	Also certified for Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits.

History

The seven-story Martin Building, situated in El Paso’s central business district, is a prominent example of the Chicago Commercial Style and notable for its decorative, glazed terra cotta exterior detailing. The Martin Building is reflective of the city’s exponential growth between 1915 and 1925, when people fled to El Paso seeking refuge from the Mexican Revolution. Completed in early 1917 for $175,000, the Martin Building is one of the most intact early 20th century structures in downtown El Paso

Rehabilitation Project

The Martin Building was largely unoccupied when purchased by its current owner in 2011. It underwent a full rehabilitation to create loft apartments on the five uppermost floors and leasable office and retail space on the first and second floors. The project involved the repair of much of the building’s original windows, construction of new first floor storefronts, installation of all new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and construction of 42 apartments. The apartments are mostly one-bedroom units, to support younger El Pasoans who want a more urban lifestyle. The building will also have a marquee sign installed on the roof, recreating a historic sign that was previously removed.