EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso County’s ambitious plan to transform the site of the former Naked Harem strip club into a community wellness center has hit a roadblock.
The county allocated approximately $3 million on demolishing the old building and designing the Corbin Sambrano Wellness Center, but the project has stalled after voters rejected a nearly $27 million bond for its construction in November 2024.
Harrison Parker reports on $3 million wellness center project stalled after voter rejection (Credit: KFOX14)
Connie Hernandez, a local resident, expressed optimism about the project, saying, “Having that center, I think it bring a lot more people here towards the community.”
The county had envisioned the site to include an amphitheater, basketball or tennis courts, and the wellness center. However, the vacant lot remains, with no construction underway.
David Stout’s office indicated that they are considering building simpler, more affordable components first to provide the community with some amenities while the county navigates budget constraints.
In a statement, El Paso County Commissioner David Stout said, “The County has $2.6 million – largely a combination of ARPA and opioid settlement funds – available to prepare the site for construction of the Wellness Center. In the meantime, we are committed to ensuring the site isn’t left as an unsightly, vacant lot.”
Stout assured that the county is dedicated to ensuring the site contributes to the community until full funding for the wellness center is secured.
RELATED: El Paso’s infamous Naked Harem to be demolished Friday
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