El Paso's Chic Industrial Loft & Nightlife District
Situated on the western edge of Downtown El Paso around Anthony Street and San Antonio Avenue, the Union Plaza District is the city's trendiest urban arts enclave, where early 20th-century brick warehouses have been converted into chic loft apartments, art galleries, and craft cocktail bars.
Named for its proximity to El Paso's historic 1906 Union Depot train station, Union Plaza served as the city's wholesale produce and freight warehousing district for nearly a century. Over the past two decades, historic preservation and urban planning transformed these red-brick freight depots into pedestrian-oriented dining courtyards, artist studios, and boutique offices.
The district comes alive on weekends with the Union Plaza Art & Farmers Market, where local sculptors, printmakers, and culinary artisans gather along Anthony Street. By night, strings of globe lights illuminate brick alleys as locals hop between upscale gastropubs, mezcal lounges, and live music patios.
Key Highlights
- El Paso's premier adaptive-reuse warehouse arts and loft district
- Anchored by the historic 1906 Union Depot designed by architect Daniel Burnham
- Center of vibrant weekend art markets along pedestrian-friendly Anthony Street
- Extremely walkable with direct access to the El Paso Streetcar and Southwest University Park
From Rail Freight Depots to Creative Arts Epicenter
Constructed to support El Paso's bustling railroad interchange at the turn of the 20th century, Union Plaza evolved into a modern urban arts destination.
In 1998, the City of El Paso adopted the Union Plaza Master Plan, investing in brick sidewalks, period lighting, and artist lofts that established the district's creative character.
Milestone Timeline
El Paso Union Depot opens, designed by world-renowned Chicago architect Daniel Burnham.
Brick freight warehouses and produce cold-storage terminals line Anthony and Durango streets.
The City of El Paso adopts the Union Plaza Master Plan, investing in brick sidewalks and lighting.
Southwest University Park opens two blocks away, bringing thousands of visitors into the district.
Thrives as El Paso's premier high-density loft district and nightlife destination.
Famous Places in Bishop Arts District
El Paso Union Depot
Historic 1906 Daniel Burnham TerminalMajestic 1906 red-brick and stone terminal designed by Daniel Burnham, featuring a 105-foot tower and Amtrak services.
Anthony Street Pedestrian Corridor
Art Market & Patio Dining SpineBrick-paved pedestrian street lined with patio bars, art galleries, and weekend market stalls.
The Roderick Artspace Lofts
Artist Live/Work Community & Gallery51 affordable live/work units for artists featuring ground-floor public art galleries and community studios.
Southwest University Park (Adjacent)
Triple-A Ballpark Located 2 Blocks NortheastAward-winning home of the El Paso Chihuahuas baseball club, located just two blocks northeast.
Top Things to Do in Bishop Arts
Browse the Union Plaza Art Market
Discover handcrafted jewelry, pottery, local artwork, and organic baked goods along Anthony Street.
Admire Daniel Burnham's Union Depot
Step inside the historic 1906 passenger hall with soaring ceilings, marble accents, and railroad exhibits.
Craft Cocktail Crawl along Anthony Street
Sip artisan mezcal cocktails and Texas craft beers under string lights in restored brick courtyards.
Pre-Game Before Baseball Games
Enjoy craft beers and tacos before walking two blocks into Southwest University Park.
Warehouse Gastropubs, Tapas & Border Fusion
Union Plaza features some of El Paso's most creative dining in beautifully restored industrial spaces:
Gastropubs & Modern Mexican
Park Tavern (elevated American gastropub & steakhouse near ballpark), The Silo Bar (craft cocktails in converted warehouse).
Tapas, Pizza & Wine
Later, Later (chic patio bar with gourmet food truck options), House of Pizza (brick-oven pies & cold beers).
Art Lounges & Nightclubs
Mona Bar of Modern Art (sleek lounge with rotating visual art exhibitions and craft cocktails).
Rooftop Terraces
Circa 1963 (stylish rooftop lounge atop Hotel Indigo offering skyline and mountain views).
Living in Union Plaza: Industrial Loft Luxury & Urban Culture
Union Plaza represents the pinnacle of loft living in El Paso. Authentic adaptive-reuse warehouses and modern mid-rises feature open floor plans, 12-to-14-foot ceilings, exposed historic brickwork, and timber or steel beams.
Residents enjoy a completely walkable urban lifestyle where art galleries, cocktail lounges, farmers markets, baseball games, and the El Paso Streetcar are all within a two-block stroll.
Authentic brick warehouse lofts, artist live/work studios, and contemporary mid-rises.
Walk Score 90; walker's paradise with pedestrian plazas and streetcar transit.
Artsy, cosmopolitan, vibrant, and design-forward.
Direct access to the El Paso Streetcar and Amtrak Union Depot.
When to Visit Union Plaza
October through May offers delightful outdoor weather for walking markets and enjoying open-air courtyards.
Union Plaza Art & Farmers Market
Vibrant outdoor market featuring local artists, handmade crafts, and regional food products.
Chihuahuas Opening Night Block Party
High-energy street celebration welcoming the return of Triple-A baseball to downtown.
Getting Around Union Plaza
Ride the Free Dallas Streetcar
100% Free Public Transit • Every 20 MinutesThe El Paso Streetcar loops directly along Franklin Avenue and Santa Fe Street adjacent to the district.
Union Plaza Parking Garage
Multi-level covered parking garage located at 400 W San Antonio Avenue.
Surface Lots
Several paid surface parking lots along Anthony and Durango streets.
Street Meters
Curbside metered street parking throughout the district.
Top 6 Local Businesses in Union Plaza District
Featured
Apex Master Plumbing & Rooter (El Paso)
24/7 Emergency plumbing, sewer camera inspection, and tankless water heaters in El Paso.
Featured
El Paso Prestige Residential Architecture
Custom luxury home design, modern architectural renovations, and interior blueprints.
Featured
Joe's Craft Smokehouse & BBQ (El Paso)
Award-winning hickory-smoked brisket, ribs, and handcrafted Southern sides in El Paso.
Featured
El Paso Vanguard Precision Dental Care
Modern cosmetic dentistry, clear aligners, pain-free cleanings, and emergency care.
Featured
El Paso Peak Fitness & Performance Lab
Strength conditioning, personal athletic coaching, recovery suites, and hot sauna.
Featured
El Paso The Botanical Bookshop & Cafe
Independently curated novels, rare editions, local pour-over coffee, and bakery goods.
Events & Exclusive Deals in Union Plaza District
Event
Live Backyard Blues & Smoked Brisket Night
Join us under the string lights for live Delta blues, craft local brews on tap, and fresh pit carving straight from our outdoor smoker.
Event
El Paso Sunset Rooftop Summer Jazz Sessions
Unwind under the stars with live regional jazz quartets, tapas, and handcrafted cocktails.
Event
El Paso Local Tech Founders & Business Growth Mixer
Connect with leading regional founders, angel investors, and executives for networking and drinks.
$100 OFF
$100 OFF Ceramic Coating or Full Auto Detail
BOGO 50%
Buy 1 Cocktail, Get 1 at 50% OFF at Rooftop
FREE CONSULT
Free Initial 30-Minute Legal Strategy Session
Explore Union Plaza District Businesses by Category
Frequently Asked Questions about Union Plaza District
Explore Nearby El Paso Neighborhoods
Downtown El Paso
San Jacinto Plaza, arts museums, and the Plaza Theatre.
Sunset Heights
Hillside Victorian mansions and Mexican Revolution history.
Kern Place
Historic stone cottages and Cincinnati Ave dining.
Five Points
Historic crossroads, retro bistros, and Central El Paso culture.
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