Historic Downtown El Paso Building Has Lived Many Lives

A historic building that stands at 209 S. El Paso street in downtown El Paso has lived many lives.

At first glance, it’s just another downtown building- but if you’ve ever been to a show there, you know it’s anything but ordinary. For a lot of El Pasoans, this spot is tied to memories of packed crowds, loud music, and nights that felt unforgettable.

Most of us knew it as Tricky Falls, or even earlier as X’cape! I still remember seeing Papa Roach there back in 2002, shoulder to shoulder with a crowd that felt just as electric as the music.

But that’s only one chapter of its story.

Historic Downtown El Paso Theater Once Stole the Spotlight

Long before it became a music venue, the building opened in 1914 as the Alhambra Theater.

Designed by famed El Paso architect Henry Trost, it cost $150,000 to build and featured a stunning Spanish Moorish design. Inside, the lobby was dressed in rich red and gold, creating an atmosphere that felt more like an event than a simple night at the movies.

This wasn’t your average theater either. It included side shops, a second-floor confectionery, and even a nursery so parents could enjoy a film while their babies were cared for nearby.

In 1918, the Alhambra added one of the largest pipe organs in the Southwest, used to accompany silent films. At times, even live orchestras performed, turning movie screenings into full productions.

By 1930, the arrival of “talkies” ended that era, and the building began its next evolution.

From X’cape to Tricky Falls A New Generation Took Over

Fast forward decades later, the same space became a cornerstone of El Paso’s live music scene.

From its X’cape days to its run as Tricky Falls, the venue hosted everything from rising artists to major acts, drawing crowds from across the Borderland. With a capacity of around 1,500, it became a place where memories were made, and where many fans experienced their favorite bands up close.

Downtown El Paso Landmark Finds New Life as Church

In 2018, the music stopped when Tricky Falls closed its doors.

Today, the building has taken on a new role as a downtown campus for Abundant Living Faith Center, bringing in a different kind of crowd while preserving the structure’s historic character.

From silent films and live orchestras, to packed concert crowds- to Sunday services, this downtown El Paso building has continuously evolved with the city around it. It truly has seen it all!