Landmark panel orders lower gate, matching finish for Bliss Avenue property

The El Paso Historical Landmark Commission voted to approve modified plans for a new gate at 4332 Bliss Avenue, requiring the property owner to lower the gate columns to match the existing wall, face the corrugated metal inward and paint the gate to match the wall. The action was adopted by voice vote after staff and the owner discussed design and context.

Staff framed the issue as a limited exception to district guidelines, saying the commission was "not opposed" to a gate but objected to the proposed tall columns and the exposed corrugated exterior. "What we're asking actually is for reduction in the height of this so that it matches the height of the wall," the staff member told commissioners, adding that the corrugated side should face the interior so "from the street, it looks kind of smooth." (staff member)

The owner on the line, who identified himself in the record as Gabriel Casas, said he wanted taller columns to accommodate future plans and to create access to a backyard where an accessory dwelling unit provides privacy for a back‑yard tenant. "I have an ADU in the back... I'm trying to kinda confirm, divide that yard so it could be more private to the tenant in the back," Casas said during the exchange.

Commissioner Griffin moved the staff recommendation and read the required modifications into the record: "the height of the gate and poles be reduced to the height of the wall, that the exterior face of the gate be smooth and not corrugated, and that the gate be painted to match the wall." The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

The commission’s decision applies to the main facade work at 4332 Bliss Avenue in the R4H residential historic district; staff noted the permit process and any further exterior changes would be evaluated against the adopted design guidelines and Chapter 20.2 of the city code.

The commission moved on with no additional conditions beyond those read into the motion.