Las Cruces Urban Renewal Agency.

Urban renewal projects became common in U.S. cities after World War II. In 1968 Las Cruces began its own urban renewal project. The project called for closing streets and clearing buildings in the downtown area to build a large pedestrian mall, which was meant to compete favorably with indoor malls. The city also sought to revitalize business and beautify the downtown area. The new pedestrian mall was completed in 1974. It has suffered from a lack of activity, with several of its businesses now closed, and the results of the Las Cruces urban renewal project as a whole have been strongly criticized. The city and citizens of Las Cruces continue to work towards revitalizing the downtown area.

From the description of Las Cruces Urban Renewal Agency records, 1966-1974. (New Mexico State University). WorldCat record id: 713698399

Urban renewal projects became common in U.S. cities after World War II. In 1968 Las Cruces began its own urban renewal project. The project called for closing streets and clearing buildings in the downtown area to build a large pedestrian mall, which was meant to compete favorably with indoor malls. The city also sought to revitalize business and beautify the downtown area.

The new pedestrian mall was completed in 1974. It was unable to compete with shopping malls and newer retail businesses, and its decreased accessibility has added to its economic decline. In 2006, the Las Cruces City Council established the Las Cruces Metropolitan Redevelopment Area to revitalize the area once again.

From the guide to the Las Cruces Urban Renewal Agency records, 1966-1974, (New Mexico State University Library, Archives and Special Collections Department)