El Paso, Texas – The Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation, in partnership with CASA Auto Group, announced the first private philanthropic investment in the future Deck Plaza project, with a $1 million commitment to support the creation of the future Casa Auto Group Dog Park as part of the transformative downtown public space. This announcement marks a major milestone for the community driven “Elevate the 10” campaign, which aims to educate and unite the region to develop a 6.5-acre park over I-10 in downtown El Paso.

The future Casa Auto Group Dog Park, one of the featured amenities identified in the project’s schematic design, will include separate spaces for large and small dogs, creating a welcoming gathering place for residents, visitors, and their pets in the heart of downtown.

“This investment is really about the future of El Paso and the kind of city we want to leave for the next generation,” said Ronnie Lowenfield, CEO of CASA Auto Group. “My brothers and I all chose to raise our families and grow our business here. We know projects like the Deck Plaza can have a lasting impact for decades to come. Investments in public spaces increase connectivity and improve the quality of life which helps attract talent and businesses and makes El Paso a place where families want to stay and future generations want to return.”

Once complete, the Deck Plaza will reconnect downtown El Paso with surrounding neighborhoods through new green space, increase pedestrian connectivity, add cultural programming and new recreational amenities. Economic studies estimate the project

could generate nearly $1 billion in economic impact over 30 years while helping drive tourism, business activity, and downtown revitalization.

“We are proud to share the first funding commitment from a multi-generational El Paso family for one of the great public spaces envisioned in the Deck Plaza project,” said Tracy Yellen, President of the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation and CEO of the Paso Del Norte Community Foundation. “This investment reflects the kind of local leadership and community pride that will help bring this once-in-a-generation vision to life.”

The announcement event, themed “Future Home of the Nice Pups!” is a playful nod to Casa Auto Group’s “Home of the Nice Guys” slogan and included Casa employees and their dogs, along with a featured appearance by local favorite Chico, the beloved El Paso Chihuahua pup mascot.

The Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation has committed to raising at least $35 million in private philanthropy to support amenities identified in the project’s feasibility study, including the future dog park, amphitheater, playgrounds, and community gathering spaces. In addition to raising private philanthropy for park amenities, the Foundation is focused on the long-term infrastructure and futureproofing investments needed to support the Deck Plaza and the broader I-10 corridor for generations to come.

The Deck Plaza is supported by a broad public-private partnership—including the City of El Paso, El Paso County, TxDOT, regional and federal agencies, philanthropy, business leaders, and community advocates. The project has secured significant funding commitments of more than $74.5 million, including but not limited to $10M from the Texas Legislature, $25M from the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization, $3.15M in Federal Community Project Funding, $1M from the County of El Paso.

As a community-driven campaign, there are several ways to show support for the Deck Plaza. Visit Downtowndeckplaza.org/getinvolved to receive updates and join the growing list of deck plaza supporters, see a calendar of pop-up events near you, and provide input on the activities and events you want to see at the park. To learn more, visit our website at Downtowndeckplaza.org. To stay updated on social media, follow the Downtown Deck Plaza on Facebook and Instagram.