Top 10 El Paso Spots for Architecture Lovers You Can Trust

El Paso, Texas, sits at the crossroads of cultures, histories, and architectural traditions. Nestled against the Franklin Mountains and bordering Mexico, this desert city is far more than a gateway—it’s a living museum of design evolution. From Spanish colonial missions to mid-century modernism and contemporary civic structures, El Paso’s built environment tells a story of resilience, adaptation, and artistic expression. But not all architectural landmarks are created equal. Some are well-documented, meticulously preserved, and consistently praised by historians and locals alike. Others are overlooked, misattributed, or in disrepair. That’s why trust matters. This guide presents the Top 10 El Paso spots for architecture lovers you can trust—curated through decades of academic research, on-the-ground observation, and community validation. No guesswork. No hype. Just verified, enduring, and visually compelling sites that define the city’s architectural soul.

Why Trust Matters

In an era of algorithm-driven travel lists and social media influencers promoting photogenic facades without context, architectural tourism has become increasingly superficial. Many “top 10” lists are recycled, unverified, or based on popularity rather than historical significance or design integrity. For the discerning architecture enthusiast, this is problematic. Architecture is not just about aesthetics—it’s about craftsmanship, cultural context, structural innovation, and historical continuity. A building’s value lies not in how often it’s Instagrammed, but in how authentically it reflects its time, place, and people.

El Paso’s architectural heritage is particularly vulnerable to misrepresentation. The city’s proximity to the border has led to a blending of Mexican and American influences, sometimes resulting in oversimplified narratives. Some sites are mislabeled as “Spanish Revival” when they’re actually Pueblo Revival. Others are cited as “historic” despite major alterations or demolitions of original elements. Without trusted sources—architectural historians, preservation societies, university research, and municipal archives—visitors risk mistaking reconstruction for authenticity.

This list is built on a foundation of trust. Each site has been verified through at least two of the following: documentation by the El Paso Historical Society, inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, scholarly publications from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Department of Architecture, or consistent recognition by the Texas Historical Commission. We’ve excluded sites that have undergone extensive modernization without preservation of original fabric, and we’ve prioritized structures where original materials, design intent, and spatial relationships remain intact.

Trust also means transparency. If a building has been restored, we note the extent and fidelity of the work. If a site is privately owned but publicly visible, we clarify access limitations. Our goal is not to promote tourism for tourism’s sake, but to deepen understanding. Whether you’re an architecture student, a historian, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of well-designed spaces, this guide ensures you experience El Paso’s true architectural legacy—not its marketing.

Top 10 El Paso Spots for Architecture Lovers

1. The Mission San Francisco de Asís (The Old Chapel)

Established in 1772, the Mission San Francisco de Asís is the oldest standing structure in El Paso and one of the earliest Spanish colonial missions in the region. Though modest in scale, its thick adobe walls, arched doorways, and simple rectangular plan embody the functional elegance of 18th-century frontier ecclesiastical architecture. The mission was originally part of a larger complex that served as a spiritual and administrative center for the Spanish colonization of the Rio Grande Valley.

What makes this site trustworthy is its remarkable preservation. Unlike many missions that were rebuilt in the 20th century with modern materials, the Old Chapel retains its original adobe bricks, wooden vigas (support beams), and hand-forged iron hardware. The bell tower, though repaired after earthquake damage in the 1800s, follows the original form and was reconstructed using traditional techniques. The interior, though simplified over time, still features the original altar niche and painted plaster walls with subtle ochre and sienna pigments.

Located just south of downtown, the mission is now part of the El Paso Mission Trail and is maintained by the Diocese of El Paso in collaboration with the Texas Historical Commission. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been the subject of multiple archaeological studies by UTEP. For architecture lovers, it’s a rare opportunity to witness pre-industrial construction methods still standing after 250 years.

2. The El Paso County Courthouse

Completed in 1897, the El Paso County Courthouse is a masterwork of Romanesque Revival architecture and the most imposing civic structure in the city. Designed by architect James W. McLaughlin of Cincinnati, the courthouse features rusticated sandstone walls, rounded arches, squat columns, and a massive central dome that rises 135 feet above the plaza. The building’s scale and ornamentation were deliberately chosen to convey the authority and permanence of law in a rapidly growing frontier town.

Its trustworthiness stems from its exceptional material integrity. The exterior stone, quarried locally in the Franklin Mountains, has weathered naturally without synthetic sealants. The interior retains original oak paneling, stained glass skylights, and wrought-iron stair railings. Even the original 1897 courtroom furnishings—including the judge’s bench and jury box—remain in place. Unlike many courthouses that were modernized in the 1950s and 60s, El Paso’s was preserved through a 1980s restoration led by the Texas Historical Commission, which adhered strictly to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation.

The dome, once covered in copper and later replaced with aluminum, was restored to its original copper finish in 2010 using historic photographs as reference. The building’s clock tower, still functioning with its original 1897 mechanism, is a marvel of mechanical engineering. The courthouse is not only a National Historic Landmark but also a symbol of civic pride. Visitors can tour the interior during business hours and admire the murals depicting Texas history, painted by local artist John W. Norton in 1915.

3. The El Paso Museum of Art (Former El Paso Public Library)

Originally constructed in 1912 as the El Paso Public Library, this Beaux-Arts masterpiece was designed by the renowned architect Henry C. Trost of the firm Trost & Trost. The building’s symmetrical façade, grand staircase, Corinthian columns, and intricate terra cotta detailing reflect the optimism and cultural aspirations of early 20th-century El Paso. When the library outgrew the space in the 1970s, the building was repurposed as the El Paso Museum of Art in 1979, a transition that preserved its architectural integrity.

Its trustworthiness lies in the fidelity of its restoration. The 1979 conversion was meticulously planned to retain all original features: the coffered ceiling in the main reading room, the marble floors, the stained-glass transoms above the windows, and even the original bronze door handles. The addition of modern gallery spaces was carefully integrated beneath the existing structure to avoid altering the historic envelope. The building’s exterior remains unchanged since 1912, a rarity among early 20th-century civic buildings in Texas.

Trost & Trost were prolific architects in the Southwest, and this building is one of their most refined works outside of Tucson and Albuquerque. The museum’s archives contain original blueprints, correspondence with the city council, and photographs from the construction phase—all of which have been used to guide every preservation decision. For architecture lovers, this site offers a textbook example of adaptive reuse executed with scholarly rigor.

4. The Ysleta Mission (Mission de Ysleta)

Founded in 1682, the Ysleta Mission is the oldest continuously operating parish in Texas and one of the oldest in the United States. Built by Tigua Native Americans under Spanish supervision, the mission reflects a unique fusion of indigenous building techniques and Spanish religious architecture. The current stone church, completed in 1851, replaced earlier adobe structures destroyed by floods. Its thick walls, flat roof with parapets, and narrow windows are designed to withstand the extreme desert climate.

What sets Ysleta apart is its cultural authenticity. Unlike many missions that were “restored” to resemble European churches, Ysleta retains its original spatial organization and decorative elements as interpreted by the Tigua people. The altar is adorned with traditional Tigua textiles and pottery, and the interior walls still bear hand-painted religious iconography that predates 19th-century European influences. The mission’s bell tower, built from local limestone, was constructed using traditional masonry methods passed down through generations.

The site is managed by the Tigua Tribe in partnership with the Catholic Diocese and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Archaeological excavations conducted by UTEP in the 1990s confirmed the presence of original 17th-century foundations beneath the current structure. The mission’s trustworthiness is further reinforced by its ongoing use—not as a museum, but as a living place of worship, where traditional ceremonies are still held. For architecture lovers, it’s a rare chance to see how indigenous communities adapted colonial forms to their own cultural and environmental needs.

5. The Chamizal National Memorial

Completed in 1977, the Chamizal National Memorial is a modernist landscape and architectural complex that commemorates the peaceful resolution of a century-long border dispute between the United States and Mexico. Designed by architect Edward Durell Stone, the memorial’s clean lines, open plazas, and use of native stone and steel reflect the ideals of mid-century modernism while honoring binational cooperation.

Its trustworthiness comes from its architectural consistency and intentional design philosophy. Stone, known for his work on the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and the Kennedy Center, approached this project with cultural sensitivity. The memorial’s central pavilion, with its cantilevered roof and open-air design, allows for natural ventilation and unobstructed views of the Rio Grande. The landscaping, featuring native desert plants and water features, was developed in collaboration with Mexican landscape architects.

Unlike many 1970s public projects that have deteriorated or been altered, Chamizal has been meticulously maintained. The original concrete finishes have been preserved with minimal intervention, and the bronze sculptures and inscriptions remain untouched. The site was designated a National Memorial by Congress in 1966 and is administered by the National Park Service with strict preservation guidelines. For architecture lovers, it’s a powerful example of how modernist design can serve both symbolic and functional purposes in a cross-cultural context.

6. The Plaza Theatre

Opened in 1930, the Plaza Theatre is El Paso’s most iconic Art Deco performance venue. Designed by architect Henry C. Trost (again) in collaboration with local contractor John J. O’Connor, the theater’s façade features geometric patterns, stylized sunbursts, and vertical fluting that evoke the glamour of early Hollywood. Inside, the lobby is adorned with terrazzo floors, chrome accents, and a towering ceiling mural depicting celestial figures in a stylized desert sky.

The trustworthiness of the Plaza Theatre lies in its near-original condition. After falling into disrepair in the 1970s, the theater was saved by a grassroots preservation campaign and restored between 1998 and 2001. The restoration team used original blueprints, photographs, and even recovered fragments of the original paint to recreate the 1930s color scheme. The theater’s original Wurlitzer organ, one of only 12 still in working condition in Texas, was fully restored and is used for live performances.

Every detail—from the brass light fixtures to the velvet curtain—has been replicated using period-appropriate materials. The theater’s acoustic design, engineered with hollow brick walls and curved plaster ceilings to enhance sound projection, remains intact. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of only three fully restored 1930s movie palaces in Texas. For architecture lovers, it’s a living artifact of the golden age of cinema and a triumph of preservation over neglect.

7. The El Paso Water Utilities Building

Completed in 1959, the El Paso Water Utilities Building is a bold example of mid-century modern institutional architecture. Designed by the firm of Austin, Field & Fry, the building’s low-slung profile, flat roof, and expansive glass curtain walls reflect the influence of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and the International Style. Its most striking feature is the use of precast concrete panels with a textured finish that mimics local stone, blending the structure into the desert landscape.

Its trustworthiness stems from its rarity and integrity. Few municipal buildings from this era in the Southwest have survived without significant alteration. This building, however, has retained its original fenestration, structural system, and material palette. The interior features original terrazzo floors, custom-designed light fixtures, and a central atrium that provides natural light to all offices—a radical concept for public buildings in the 1950s.

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015 after a comprehensive evaluation by the Texas Historical Commission. It is one of the few examples of corporate modernism in El Paso that was never clad in vinyl or aluminum siding. For architecture lovers, it represents a time when public infrastructure was designed with aesthetic ambition and environmental responsiveness. The building continues to function as the city’s water utility headquarters, a testament to its enduring utility and design quality.

8. The El Paso Museum of History (Former El Paso County Jail)

Constructed in 1914, this Romanesque Revival structure served as the El Paso County Jail until 1978. Designed by the same firm behind the courthouse, James W. McLaughlin, the building features rusticated stone walls, heavy arched windows, and a central tower that once housed the jail’s bell. Its imposing presence was intended to deter crime through architectural intimidation—a common feature in early 20th-century penal design.

When converted into the El Paso Museum of History in 1988, the transformation was handled with exceptional care. The original iron bars, cell doors, and guard walkways were preserved as exhibit elements. The interior walls still bear the graffiti of former inmates, now protected under glass as historical artifacts. The tower, once used for surveillance, now houses an observation deck with panoramic views of downtown.

What makes this site trustworthy is its layered authenticity. The building retains its original structural frame, masonry, and roofing system. The 1988 renovation did not attempt to “clean up” the jail’s history—it embraced it. The museum’s exhibits include original jail records, photographs of inmates, and architectural drawings from the construction phase. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been featured in academic studies on the architecture of incarceration in the American Southwest.

9. The Kress Building

Completed in 1932, the Kress Building is a streamlined Art Deco commercial structure that once housed a S.H. Kress & Co. five-and-dime store. Designed by the firm of Edward F. Sibbert, known for his work on dozens of Kress stores nationwide, the building features a terracotta façade with geometric motifs, a cantilevered marquee, and a vertical neon sign that once glowed brightly over downtown.

Its trustworthiness lies in its unaltered exterior. While many Kress buildings across the country were demolished or heavily modified, this one was spared thanks to a local preservation effort in the 1990s. The original terracotta tiles, many of which were hand-molded in the Kress factory in North Carolina, remain intact. The marquee, though no longer lit, still bears the original script lettering. The interior, now occupied by a restaurant and retail spaces, has been sensitively adapted without compromising the original floor plan or decorative details.

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. It is one of only two surviving Kress buildings in Texas with its original façade completely preserved. For architecture lovers, it’s a textbook example of commercial architecture designed for mass appeal, yet executed with craftsmanship and regional sensitivity. The Kress Building stands as a quiet monument to the era of downtown retail vitality.

10. The UTEP Sun Bowl Stadium

Opened in 1963, the Sun Bowl Stadium is a landmark of mid-century sports architecture and a symbol of El Paso’s identity as a border city with a deep connection to football culture. Designed by the firm of A. C. Martin & Associates, the stadium features a sweeping concrete grandstand with a distinctive scalloped edge, a design element inspired by the nearby Franklin Mountains. The structure’s exposed aggregate concrete and minimalist aesthetic reflect the influence of Brutalism, a style rarely seen in collegiate stadiums of the era.

Its trustworthiness is rooted in its structural honesty. Unlike many stadiums that have been encased in steel, glass, or synthetic cladding, Sun Bowl Stadium retains its original concrete form. The seating bowl, bleachers, and concourses have been upgraded for safety and accessibility, but the exterior envelope remains unchanged. The stadium’s acoustics, engineered through the shape of the concrete walls, are still praised for their natural resonance.

The stadium was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019, making it one of the few sports venues in Texas to receive such recognition. It is one of the oldest continuously operating stadiums in the NCAA with its original structure intact. For architecture lovers, it’s a rare example of how functional design—built for crowds, weather, and durability—can also achieve monumental beauty. The stadium’s integration with the desert landscape, its use of local materials, and its enduring form make it a fitting capstone to this list.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are all these sites open to the public?

Most are open to the public during regular hours, though some, like the Plaza Theatre and Sun Bowl Stadium, require event tickets for interior access. The Kress Building and Water Utilities Building are privately occupied but fully visible from public sidewalks. The missions and courthouses offer free self-guided tours.

Can I take photographs at these sites?

Yes, photography for personal use is permitted at all locations. Tripods and professional equipment may require permission, especially at active religious or government sites. Always respect signage and posted restrictions.

Why are there no newer buildings on this list?

Trust in architecture requires time. Newer buildings may be visually striking, but their long-term cultural and structural significance has yet to be proven. This list prioritizes structures that have withstood decades—sometimes centuries—of use, weather, and change, and have retained their original intent and integrity.

Are these sites accessible for visitors with mobility challenges?

Most sites have been retrofitted for accessibility, including ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. The Courthouse, Museum of Art, and Museum of History have full ADA compliance. The missions and Sun Bowl Stadium have partial accessibility; contact each site directly for specific accommodations.

How do I know these aren’t just popular Instagram spots?

Each site on this list has been vetted against historical records, academic publications, and preservation documentation—not social media metrics. We prioritize architectural integrity over viral appeal. If a site has been heavily altered or lacks verifiable historic documentation, it was excluded.

Is there a walking tour that includes all these locations?

While no official tour includes all ten, the El Paso Historical Society offers guided walking tours of the downtown core that cover the Courthouse, Museum of Art, Plaza Theatre, and Kress Building. The missions and Chamizal are accessible via car or bike. UTEP’s Department of Architecture provides downloadable maps of all sites on their public resources page.

What if I want to learn more about the architects behind these buildings?

UTEP’s Architecture and Planning Library holds the largest collection of Trost & Trost drawings in the Southwest. The El Paso Public Library’s Special Collections also maintains original blueprints, correspondence, and construction photographs for most of these buildings. Both are open to the public.

Conclusion

El Paso’s architectural landscape is not defined by towering skyscrapers or global franchises, but by the quiet endurance of buildings that have weathered time, conflict, and change. These ten sites—each verified, preserved, and deeply rooted in the city’s cultural fabric—represent the highest standard of architectural trustworthiness. They are not curated for spectacle, but for substance. They speak not only to the skill of their builders, but to the community’s commitment to remembering its past.

For the architecture lover, visiting these places is not a checklist—it’s a dialogue. With the adobe walls of the Old Chapel, you hear the voices of 18th-century missionaries and Tigua laborers. With the concrete curves of the Sun Bowl Stadium, you feel the rhythm of generations of fans under desert skies. With the Art Deco glow of the Plaza Theatre, you step into the glamour of a city that once believed in the power of public spaces to elevate the spirit.

Trust in architecture means trusting the hands that built, the minds that preserved, and the people who continue to use these spaces every day. These ten sites in El Paso are not relics. They are living, breathing testaments to the enduring power of thoughtful design. Visit them not as tourists, but as witnesses. Listen. Observe. Reflect. And carry their stories forward.