Our Story
From decades of advocacy to the birth of a movement for preservation and regeneration.
About Project Regeneración
Project Regeneración was officially founded in July 2023, announced during a screening of the documentary “Duranguito” at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Montecillo in El Paso.
The organization was born directly from a struggle spanning more than a decade to defend the Duranguito neighborhood in South El Paso — one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the region.
Today, Project Regeneración is a member of the Sembrando Esperanza Coalition — a coalition of nine community organizations from the most historic areas of El Paso County, united in preserving cultural heritage and empowering residents.
A Land Rich in History
The story of South El Paso stretches back centuries — long before borders divided this land.
1598
The Camino Real, the road connecting Mexico City to Santa Fe, passed through this very land — two full decades before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. This corridor was already a lifeline of trade, culture, and movement.
1790s
The Peace Camps of the Mescalero Apache appeared in the region, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape and cultural identity of the area that cannot be erased from history.
1827
The Ponce de Leon Ranch was established, earning the title of “the birthplace of the modern city of El Paso.” This ranch became the foundation upon which the city would grow.
Early 1800s
The river changed its course southward due to flooding, adding new land that would become what is now known as South El Paso — the very ground upon which these historic barrios stand today.
Municipal Organization
When the city was formally organized, Duranguito became the First Ward. Segundo Barrio became the Second Ward, encompassing Chihuahuita. These designations reflect the foundational role these neighborhoods played in building El Paso.
1881
The railroad arrived, and immigrants from around the world poured in. The historic buildings that still stand today tell stories of Chinese workers who built the railroads, Mexican revolutionaries who planned uprisings in these very rooms, and immigrants from Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East who built new lives in this borderland.
The Fight for Duranguito
A decade-long battle to preserve one of the most historic neighborhoods in the American Southwest.
2012
El Paso voters approved a bond to build a Multi-Purpose Cultural Center (MPCC) on the Duranguito site. The city purchased buildings and relocated most residents. The neighborhood was fenced off and left to deteriorate.
2012–2022
Years of litigation and preservation advocacy followed. Community members, historians, and activists fought in courts and council chambers to protect the neighborhood's irreplaceable historic fabric.
Early 2023
The El Paso City Council voted not to build the MPCC at the Duranguito site — a landmark victory for preservation advocates and the community.
February 2023
Mayor Oscar Leeser announced the city would sell the Duranguito buildings, opening the door for community-led restoration and revitalization.
July 2023
Project Regeneración was officially launched at the screening of the documentary “Duranguito” at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Montecillo — transforming years of advocacy into an organization with a clear mission for restoration.
November 2023
Project Regeneración presented a comprehensive restoration plan before the El Paso City Council, including proposals for community gardens, affordable housing, and cultural preservation.
2024–2025
Advocacy continues. The city developed an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) to determine the future of 19 properties valued at $13 million. Project Regeneración remains at the forefront, ensuring the community's vision is represented.