–Editorial
The former Calexico Chamber of Commerce building at 1,200 North Imperial Ave. has stood vacant since 2020, becoming a visible symbol of stalled redevelopment efforts along one of the city’s primary commercial corridors.
Following the retirement of longtime Chamber executive Hildy Carrillo and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Chamber operations were halted and later relocated. Since then, the property has remained unused, gradually deteriorating and raising concerns among nearby business owners and residents about blight, public safety, and missed economic opportunities.
Even prior to the pandemic, the Chamber had been experiencing financial difficulties that limited its capacity to operate effectively. Longstanding community events such as the Mariachi Festival and Mardi Gras celebrations — once key fundraising and promotional pillars — began to decline, reducing revenue and weakening the organization’s sustainability.
In recent years, the property was fenced off after homeless individuals gained access to the structure. City officials and neighboring businesses described the situation as a potential safety hazard, citing trespassing, debris accumulation, and risks of fire or injury.
Calexico City Manager Benjamin Martinez confirmed that the city plans to conduct a final training exercise at the site with the Calexico Fire Department before proceeding with demolition. He described the building as structurally compromised and economically unviable for rehabilitation.
“The building is well beyond its useful life. There’s no feasible way to salvage or repair it, and it’s not cost-effective,” Martinez said. Following the training exercise, Public Works crews will carry out the demolition. Martinez added that the city is currently evaluating multiple options for a future Chamber location, though no final decision has been announced.
Calexico Mayor Victor Legaspi expressed strong support for reestablishing a local Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing community sentiment tied to its historical role in promoting local businesses.
“There’s a lot of emotion from people who want it back. During the Fred Nickel era, it was a very productive institution that actively promoted businesses,” Legaspi said. He acknowledged that the current structure is beyond repair and suggested that rebuilding on the same site could be considered. “If possible, we’d like to demolish it, rebuild, and potentially house the Chamber there. But regardless of location, we are committed to having a Chamber of Commerce in Calexico.”
Legaspi noted that while regional chambers serve an important function, many residents prefer a locally focused organization dedicated specifically to Calexico’s economic interests.
Since the original Chamber’s closure, several attempts have been made to reestablish a business-support entity in the city. The Calexico Independent Chamber of Commerce, created by local merchant Jesus Gallardo, did not gain sustained community traction. Another initiative, briefly led by Katie Luna, former executive director of the Brawley Chamber of Commerce, sought to launch “The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Calexico,” but the effort also stalled.
As recently as 2024, representatives associated with a Calexico Chamber signed an agreement with the city to utilize office space at City Hall. However, no formal operations or programming have been publicly announced.
The demolition of the former Chamber building marks the end of a chapter in Calexico’s commercial history. Whether it also signals the beginning of a renewed, locally driven business advocacy effort remains to be seen.
