Work is expected to start soon on the renovation of a well-known historic El Paso hotel, re-launching a project that was delayed by a 2022 fire. The De Soto, located at 309 East Mills Ave, is more than 100 years old.

Members of the El Paso City Council have given their approval to a proposal that would extend and expand economic incentives to rehabilitate an apartment building in a declining condition into an upscale boutique 34-room hotel. The price tag for the De Soto’s renovation has ballooned to $2.4 million primarily because of the fire repair work and an increase in the cost of building materials.

The project will also see the rehabilitation of the building’s storefront, windows, and doors, upgraded heating and cooling systems, and space built on the first floor to accommodate a restaurant.

Work on the hotel is expected to begin by this spring, with an early 2024 completion date.