Renovation of a fitness / recreation center in Socorro, Texas. Completed plans call for the renovation of a fitness / recreation center.

Plans call for rehabilitation of the Rio Vista Community Center. The Community Center is an important historic site not only for the City of Socorro, but also for El Paso County. It represents an important piece of Texas history and tells a story of Mexican American immigration policy. As the site has long been a center of community service it is fitting that it be rehabilitated to provide for the changing needs of the community. The links to the early history of settlement in the area and to the great social needs before and after World War II provide a sense of continuity and comfort for today’s inhabitants. Working together for a greater good is a theme throughout the site and the buildings. The project involves seventeen buildings, twelve of which are adobe. Most of the buildings date from the WPA era construction that provided jobs and ultimately housing for those affected by the Great Depression. The post WWII buildings are associated with the Bracero Program, a program whose history ties intimately with immigration issues the border area faces today. Many of the buildings in the project suffer from issues that are common for under-utilized buildings, peeling or missing paint, deteriorated plasters, adobe erosion, and perhaps most detrimental to the life of the structures: failing roofing and parapets. The sixteen enclosed buildings have a combined gross area of 31,210 square feet. As of January 23, 2023, further regarding firm construction timelines have not been identified. *Project information, including timeline and contacts, has been obtained through public sources. The content management team continues to pursue additional details; however, the contact(s) listed have yet to disclose or confirm any information. Inquiries should be directed to the contact(s) listed.